Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, Radical Islamist with Mental Health Troubles, Stabs Tourist to Death in Paris in Suspected Terrorist Plot

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Paris (AFP) – A man with a history of radical Islamism and mental health issues launched a knife and hammer attack in central Paris on Saturday night, killing a tourist and injuring two others. French authorities have opened an investigation into a suspected “terrorist plot” in response to the incident.

The attack occurred near the Eiffel Tower at around 9:00 pm during a busy weekend, heightening tensions in the country, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a 26-year-old French national of Iranian descent, was swiftly apprehended following the assault. Prosecutors specializing in terrorist incidents are now examining his background and connections.

The deceased victim has been identified as a 23-year-old German-Filipino citizen, while the injured parties include a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French national. Investigators suspect Rajabpour-Miyandoab of murder in relation to the deceased individual and attempted murder in connection with the two wounded individuals. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that the assailant shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is greatest”) during the attack.

Rajabpour-Miyandoab, already known to authorities and undergoing treatment for mental illness, expressed his grievances to the police, claiming that he was incensed by the killing of Muslims in Afghanistan and Palestine. He accused France of complicity in Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The suspect resided in the Essonne region south of Paris with his parents.

The incident drew immediate responses from top officials in France. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne emphasized that the country will not succumb to terrorism, while President Emmanuel Macron extended his condolences to the family of the victim, labeling the attack a “terrorist act.”

Authorities have discovered that the attacker posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. In the video, he discussed various current events, criticized the government, and condemned the killings of innocent Muslims. Investigators are particularly interested in Rajabpour-Miyandoab’s medical history, describing him as “unstable and easily influenced.”

The swift intervention of a taxi driver prevented further casualties, as the attacker targeted others while crossing a bridge after the initial assault. Police pursued the assailant and used a taser to neutralize him before making the arrest.

President Macron expressed gratitude to the security forces for their prompt response and stressed the importance of serving justice on behalf of the French people.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with people screaming for help as they fled. Joseph S., a 37-year-old supermarket manager who witnessed the incident from a nearby bar, recounted hearing the cries for help and seeing a man wielding a hammer attacking a fallen individual. Police arrived within minutes.

France has experienced multiple attacks by Islamist extremists, including the notorious November 2015 attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group, which resulted in the deaths of 130 people. While the country has witnessed a relative lull in recent years, officials have consistently warned of the ongoing threat.

Tensions in France have escalated following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. With large Jewish and Muslim populations, the country’s security measures have been under increased scrutiny, particularly as it prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

In October, a young radicalized Islamist from Russia’s Caucasus region fatally attacked teacher Dominique Bernard in the northern French town of Arras.

The investigation into the Paris attack continues as authorities seek to uncover further details about the assailant’s motives and any potential connections to terrorist networks.

© 2023 AFP.