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French police shot and killed a knife-wielding man who attempted to attack an officer during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Friday, authorities reported.
The assailant, a 46-year-old French national whose name has not been disclosed, died from his injuries after being transported to a hospital. According to the French counterterrorism prosecutor’s office, the man had a significant criminal history, including a previous terrorism-related conviction in Belgium.
The incident occurred during a solemn ceremony for the relighting of the eternal flame honoring unknown soldiers at the iconic Napoleonic monument. Police officials confirmed that the attacker targeted an officer guarding the event while armed with both a knife and scissors. Another officer responded quickly, firing at the assailant before he could harm anyone. No bystanders or police personnel were injured in the confrontation.
Prior to the suspect’s death, French counterterrorism authorities had already opened an investigation on charges of attempted murder “in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” signaling the serious nature of the incident.
The prosecutor’s office revealed that the assailant had a lengthy criminal history. In 2013, a Brussels court sentenced him to 17 years in prison for attempted murders of three police officers in Molenbeek, a district of the Belgian capital, the previous year. These crimes were also classified as terrorism-related offenses.
Initially imprisoned in Belgium, he was transferred to France in 2015 to complete his sentence. Records show he was released from prison on December 24, 2025, after which he remained under judicial supervision and monitoring measures.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in France, which has experienced numerous terrorism incidents in recent years. The country has maintained elevated security measures, particularly around prominent landmarks and public events.
The Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most recognizable monuments and a major tourist attraction, stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées avenue. Following the attack, authorities implemented immediate security protocols. While the monument itself was closed to visitors, the traffic circle surrounding it remained open to vehicles. The nearby metro station was temporarily shut down at the request of law enforcement officials.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez publicly praised the quick action of the officer who neutralized the threat. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Nunez expressed his “full support to the officer who intervened and acted with composure and determination in the face of the terrorist threat.”
The incident occurs as Paris continues preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will begin in late July. City officials have been working extensively on security planning for the games, which will bring millions of visitors to the French capital.
Security analysts note that symbolic locations like the Arc de Triomphe often become targets due to their national significance and high visibility. The monument, inaugurated in 1836, commemorates those who fought and died for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
French authorities are likely to review security protocols at national monuments following this incident, as the investigation continues into the attacker’s background, potential connections, and motives.
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16 Comments
Terrible to see this kind of violence at a site of national significance. My sympathies to the victim’s family. The police response appears justified given the threat posed by the armed assailant with a history of extremism. Vigilance remains crucial to protect the public.
Agreed, the police showed restraint in a difficult situation. Tragic but their actions likely prevented further harm.
Tragic incident at the Arc de Triomphe. While the loss of life is always regrettable, the police seem to have responded appropriately to neutralize an armed assailant with a terrorism background. My condolences to the victim’s family and appreciation for the officers who acted swiftly to protect public safety.
A very serious incident at the Arc de Triomphe. While the loss of life is always regrettable, the police seem to have acted appropriately to neutralize an armed assailant with a terrorism-related criminal record. My condolences to the victim’s family and appreciation for the officers who responded.
This is a very concerning incident at the Arc de Triomphe. While the loss of life is always tragic, the police seemed to have responded appropriately to neutralize an armed threat with a terrorism background. Ongoing security challenges for France and other nations require continued diligence.
Disturbing news from Paris. My condolences to the victim’s family. The police response appears justified given the suspect’s criminal history and the need to protect the public at a high-profile national monument. Vigilance is clearly still required to address security risks.
Agreed, a difficult but necessary action by the police to safeguard public safety. Tragic but understandable in the circumstances.
A very serious incident, especially given the attacker’s criminal background. While the loss of life is always regrettable, the police seem to have acted appropriately to safeguard the public at this high-profile event. Ongoing security challenges for France and other nations.
A very serious and disturbing event at the Arc de Triomphe. My sympathies to the victim’s family. The police response appears justified given the threat posed by the armed suspect with a criminal history. Ongoing security challenges require continued vigilance to protect public safety, even at ceremonial sites.
Agreed, a difficult but necessary action by the police in a tense situation. Tragic but their quick response likely prevented further harm.
This is a concerning development at a site of such national significance in France. My condolences to the family of the deceased and appreciation for the police who responded to neutralize the threat swiftly. Vigilance remains essential to protect public safety, even at ceremonial events.
Yes, the Arc de Triomphe is an iconic landmark, and this attack is a tragic reminder that even solemn occasions can be targets. Glad the police were able to prevent further harm.
This is a concerning development at such an iconic French landmark. My sympathies to the victim’s family. The police response appears justified given the suspect’s criminal history and the need to protect public safety at a ceremonial event. Vigilance remains essential to address ongoing security challenges.
Tragic but understandable action by the police to safeguard the public in a difficult situation. Their quick response likely prevented further harm.
Tragic incident at the Arc de Triomphe. While the use of force is always regrettable, it seems the police had little choice but to act swiftly to protect themselves and the public from this armed assailant with a history of terrorism-related crimes. A somber reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced in major European cities.
Agreed, the officers appeared to act with appropriate restraint given the threat posed by the suspect. Thankful no innocent bystanders were harmed in this confrontation.