Tragic Attack in Mulhouse: Terrorism Claims One Life as Authorities Make Arrests
French law enforcement has detained three individuals connected to the horrific attack in Mulhouse that claimed the life of a 69-year-old Portuguese man on Saturday. The alleged assailant, identified as an Algerian named Brahim A, was reportedly a known terrorist with an irregular immigration status and was pending deportation. According to the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT), two family members of the attacker were arrested soon after the incident, along with a third individual who sheltered him.
The attack unfolded in Market Square around 3:45 PM local time when Brahim A, diagnosed with schizophrenia and living in France since 2014, launched an unprovoked knife attack against several municipal workers. Eyewitnesses reported that he shouted 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest) during the attack. The assailant did not stop at the municipal agents; he also assaulted a passerby, who tragically became the fatal victim of his violent rampage. In addition to the deceased, two municipal agents and five police officers sustained injuries while attempting to subdue the suspect.
Given the terrorist nature of this incident, the PNAT has assumed jurisdiction over the investigation, which includes charges of terrorist murder and attempted murder of law enforcement personnel. Under French law, suspects in such serious cases can be detained for up to 96 hours for questioning before formal charges are filed.
This tragic attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with President Macron describing it as an Islamist terrorist act. The incident has raised alarms about public safety and the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent such violent acts.
Related Sources: