PARIS, FRANCE – A man armed with a knife and hammer injured three individuals at a busy Paris train station on Saturday. The suspect, a 32-year-old male, was promptly taken into custody by the authorities. The incident, which took place at the Gare de Lyon rail station at approximately 7:35 a.m., resulted in one person sustaining serious abdominal injuries, requiring immediate surgery. The other two victims suffered minor injuries.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, authorities have ruled out terrorism, suggesting that the suspect might be dealing with mental health issues. The suspect, reportedly a native of Mali, Africa, was found with Italian residency papers and medication, indicating ongoing treatment. The documents in his possession allow him to travel legally within Europe.
Laurent Nunez, the Paris police chief who is also overseeing the security operation for the upcoming Olympic Games in the city, stated that the suspect appears to have psychiatric problems. Despite the investigation being in its early stages, Nunez stressed that there is no evidence to suggest that the incident could be related to terrorism.
The suspect was apprehended with the assistance of passersby who intervened to help railway police officers. The attack occurred in one of the station’s large halls, a major hub for high-speed trains connecting Paris with other cities, as well as commuter train services to the suburbs and towns in the Paris region.
The Paris prosecutor’s office stated that investigators are examining the knife and hammer used in the attack. The ongoing police investigation is considering a potential preliminary charge of attempted murder.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin described the incident as an “unbearable act” and expressed gratitude to those who assisted in detaining the assailant. This attack adds to a series of knife-related incidents in France over the past year.