Knife Attack in Mulhouse Leaves One Dead and Several Injured During Demonstration
A tragic knife attack during a demonstration in eastern France on Saturday has resulted in one fatality and two police officers suffering serious injuries. This incident occurred in the city of Mulhouse and involved a 37-year-old suspect who is currently on a terror prevention watchlist, as confirmed by local prosecutor Nicolas Heitz.
The watchlist, known as FSPRT, collects data from various agencies to identify and monitor individuals at risk of terrorist radicalization. This list was established in 2015, following severe attacks that shocked the nation, including the attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a deadly incident at a Jewish supermarket.
Among the injured, one police officer faced a grave injury to the carotid artery, while another was harmed in the thorax. Additionally, three other officers sustained light injuries during the incident.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to visit the site of the attack as authorities continue their investigations. Following the assault, police have established a security perimeter to ensure the safety of the public and to facilitate the investigation, which is currently being treated as a potential terrorist act, pending confirmation from judicial authorities.
Heitz reported that the suspect, an Algerian national, has been under judicial supervision, is under house arrest, and is also facing an expulsion order from France due to previous legal issues.
The mayor of Mulhouse, Michele Lutz, expressed her horror over the situation, stating on Facebook that "horror has seized our city." Public support was being demonstrated for Congo during the time of the attack, highlighting the complexity and tragedy of the day's events.
France's national anti-terror prosecutor's unit (PNAT) has taken over the investigation to further ascertain the motives behind this violent incident and to address concerns about national security.
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