French Prosecutors Investigate Terrorist Plot After Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab Stabs Tourist to Death near Eiffel Tower

French Prosecutors Investigate “Terrorist Plot” Following Fatal Stabbing near Eiffel Tower

PARIS: French authorities have launched an investigation into a potential “terrorist plot” after a man, previously known to be radicalized and suffering from mental health issues, stabbed a tourist to death and injured two others in central Paris over the weekend. The incident occurred near the iconic Eiffel Tower, amidst heightened security in France due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The suspect, identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a 26-year-old French national born to Iranian parents, was apprehended at the scene and is now facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with a potential terrorist plan. The terrorism prosecutors confirmed on Sunday that they are leading the investigation into the knife and hammer attack.

Tragically, a 23-year-old German-Filipino citizen, who was visiting Paris, lost his life in the attack. Fortunately, a quick-thinking taxi driver intervened to protect his wife from the assailant. The couple, both nurses, were deeply shaken but physically unharmed. Additionally, a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French national sustained injuries during the incident.

The Health Minister, Aurelien Rousseau, stated that while the physical injuries of the victims were superficial, they would likely experience significant psychological trauma. He emphasized that the impact of such incidents goes beyond physical wounds.

To shed light on the ongoing investigation, prosecutors have scheduled a press conference for Sunday evening. Meanwhile, three individuals believed to have close ties to Rajabpour-Miyandoab are currently in police custody.

The French government’s top officials, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, are set to convene a security meeting to address the incident. Prime Minister Borne expressed defiance towards terrorism, declaring that France will not succumb to such acts of violence. President Emmanuel Macron offered his condolences to the family of the deceased victim.

According to Darmanin, the suspect, who resided in the Essonne region of Paris with his parents, had a known history of extremist views. At the time of the attack, he shouted “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is greatest.” The assailant expressed his discontent with the loss of Muslim lives in Afghanistan and Palestine, accusing France of complicity in the actions of Israel in the Gaza Strip.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his devastation over the attack and extended sympathies to the wounded, their families, and friends. Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, warned of an increased threat level due to the recent conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the acute and serious nature of the terrorism threat.

Authorities have confirmed that the attacker claimed responsibility for the assault in a video posted on social media during the incident. The video contained references to current events, government actions, and the perceived persecution of innocent Muslims.

As investigators delve deeper into the case, they will examine the suspect’s medical history. A security source disclosed that Rajabpour-Miyandoab displayed a high level of instability and susceptibility to influence.

Rousseau, the Health Minister, revealed that the suspect had been under surveillance but had not required hospitalization. Instead, he was supposed to follow a specific treatment plan for his mental health issues. Rousseau noted the complexity of cases involving a combination of ideology, vulnerability to influence, and psychiatric conditions.

Darmanin disclosed that Rajabpour-Miyandoab had previously been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack in the La Defense business district of Paris, which he ultimately failed to carry out.

An eyewitness to the attack, Joseph S., a 37-year-old supermarket manager, recounted the chaos he witnessed while sitting in a nearby bar. He described hearing screams and pleas for help as people fled the scene. The attacker, armed with a hammer, targeted a fallen individual. Within minutes, the police arrived at the scene.

France has sadly experienced numerous extremist attacks in recent years, including the devastating suicide and gun assaults in Paris in November 2015, claimed by the Islamic State group, resulting in the deaths of 130 people. Despite a relative decrease in such incidents in recent times, authorities have consistently warned about the ongoing threat.

The tensions in France have been further exacerbated by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The attack in Paris occurred shortly after Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on October 7, followed by Israel’s subsequent retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.

As Paris prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, security remains a top priority. The city’s vigilance in maintaining safety and stability has become even more critical due to recent events.

Just last month, a young radicalized individual from Russia’s Caucasus region fatally attacked a teacher, Dominique Bernard, in the northern French town of Arras.