A knife attack shocked Mulhouse, a city in eastern France, on Saturday, February 22. The attack happened near a busy market in the afternoon. One person died, and several were hurt. Among the injured were five police officers. Two had serious wounds. The attack occurred while a demonstration was nearby, causing panic as chaos spread.
Suspect Was on a Terrorism Watchlist
Police identified the attacker as a 37-year-old Algerian man. Law enforcement already knew him. His name appeared on a terrorism watchlist. Public prosecutor Nicolas Heitz explained that he was under judicial supervision while awaiting trial for a different case.
Police officers quickly arrested him at the scene, preventing further harm. Now, officials are thoroughly investigating his past and motives. Since the attack, concerns about security have increased significantly.
Police Officers Among the Injured
While stopping the suspect, five police officers sustained injuries. Two of them suffered serious wounds, while the other three had minor injuries. Their swift response helped control the situation before more damage occurred.
Mayor Michèle Lutz shared her shock on Facebook, stating, “Horror has just gripped our city.” She reassured residents that police are working tirelessly to ensure public safety.
Investigation and Public Response
After the attack, law enforcement secured the market area. Investigators are now analyzing the suspect’s background to determine whether the attack was planned. Additionally, they are checking if he received assistance from anyone else.
The people of Mulhouse feel unsettled and fearful. Since the market serves as a popular gathering place, many residents now worry about their safety. As a result, officials are considering increasing security in public areas to prevent similar incidents.
Concerns Over National Security
This attack has reignited national security concerns in France. Over the years, the country has faced numerous violent incidents. Although officials continuously monitor people on watchlists, preventing attacks remains a challenge.
Many citizens are calling for stronger safety measures. Moreover, some security experts argue that law enforcement requires better tools to track and prevent threats effectively.
So far, the French government has not issued an official statement. However, security analysts believe that this attack could prompt the government to introduce new policies.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspect and his motives. Given the rising concerns, officials may implement additional security measures in Mulhouse and other cities to reduce future risks.
As the city mourns this tragic event, leaders are committed to restoring a sense of safety. Across Europe, governments are also reassessing their security policies to prevent similar threats. Moving forward, they aim to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
For ongoing updates on this story, visit Euro News 24.