An alleged Islamic State (IS) fanatic was arrested in Paris on 2 December 2023, after allegedly murdering a German man and leaving two others injured.
The arrested individual, reportedly suffering from psychiatric problems, had previously posted a video pledging allegiance to IS (also known as ISIS).
He claimed that the attack was brought on by outrage over the deaths of Muslims in Afghanistan and Palestine.
Man in France stabs tourist over Muslim deaths
One doesn’t typically visit Paris expecting to be wrapped up in a life-ending incident, but that was the fate of a German tourist who travelled to the city with his wife. The victim was stabbed near the Eiffel Tower by a man with misplaced outrage and a motive to inflict unimaginable pain.
The suspect, a 26-year-old French man, had been arrested prior to the incident for planning a terrorist attack. Al Jezeera reported this led to a four-year sentence and an addition to a watch list. On the night of the incident, the suspect set out to make a statement and instil fear into the nation.
Why did man in France attack German tourist?
The 26-year-old fatally wounded a German tourist before being chased by the police but managed to injure two more victims before being apprehended. The accused allegedly exclaimed “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and informed the police that he was distressed due to the significant number of Muslim casualties in Afghanistan and Palestine. Additionally, he expressed discontent about the situation in Gaza, as mentioned by Minister Gerald Darmanin.
Was man’s Paris attack a terrorist attack?
The victims of the attack have been left shaken. The attack has left the country divided as far-right rhetoric demands the punishment be stiffer and encourages citizens to adopt stricter views on “foreign” nationals. This is due to the fact that the 26-year-old had Iranian parents.
Former French President Francois Hollande expressed solidarity with the victims of what he described “terror attack,” calling for staying united. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed shock over the recent attack, stating, “Last night’s incident is alarming news.” On X, she emphasized that hate and terror should not find a place in Europe, labelling the assault as a “suspected Islamist attack.” Authorities are investigating if it was an act of terrorism.