French Prosecutors Open Investigation into Terrorist Plot after Armand R. Stabs Tourist to Death in Paris

Accident – Death – Obituary News : French Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Paris Stabbing as Terrorist Plot

French prosecutors have initiated an inquiry into a “terrorist plot” following a stabbing incident in central Paris. The attacker, known to authorities as a radical Islamist with mental health issues, fatally stabbed a tourist and injured two others before being apprehended.

The attack took place on Saturday, December 2, near the Eiffel Tower at around 9 pm local time. It occurred during a busy weekend, with France on high alert due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to prosecutors specializing in terrorist incidents, an investigation has been launched into the assailant, identified as Armand R. He is a French national born in 1997 to Iranian parents, and he was swiftly arrested after the knife and hammer attack. Armand R. is suspected of murder and attempted murder “in connection with a terrorist plot.”

Tragically, a 23-year-old man, identified as a German-Filipino citizen, lost his life in the attack. A 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French national sustained injuries.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that Armand R., who is already known to authorities for his extremist views, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is greatest”) during the assault. Darmanin made this statement at the scene near the Bir Hakeim bridge over the River Seine.

The suspect, who resided with his parents in the Essonne region south of Paris, expressed his discontent to the police, stating that he could not tolerate Muslims being killed in “Afghanistan and Palestine.” He further accused France of complicity in Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne wrote on social media, “We will not give in to terrorism.” President Emmanuel Macron extended his condolences to the victim’s family and denounced the incident as a “terrorist attack.”

Police and security sources confirmed that the assailant posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. In the video, he discussed “current events, the government, and the murder of innocent Muslims.” Investigators will examine his medical history, as he is considered “very unstable and easily influenced.”

Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau revealed that the attacker was under surveillance but not hospitalized. He was supposed to undergo treatment for his mental health issues. Rousseau stated, “As often in these cases, there’s a mixture of an ideology, an easily influenced person, and, unfortunately, psychiatry.”

It was disclosed that Armand R. had previously been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack in the La Defense business district of Paris. However, he did not carry out the planned assault. During the recent incident, a taxi driver intervened, protecting the wife of the deceased tourist. The couple, both nurses, were present at the scene. While the woman was severely shocked, she remained physically unharmed.

The assailant then crossed the bridge and attacked others, injuring one person with a hammer. The pursuing police used a Taser to incapacitate the attacker, who was subsequently arrested. Rousseau informed France 3 that the wounded victims were in good health, with only superficial physical injuries but significant psychological trauma.

France has experienced several attacks by Islamist extremists, including the devastating suicide and gun attacks in Paris in November 2015, claimed by the Islamic State group, which resulted in the deaths of 130 people. While there has been a relative decline in such incidents in recent years, officials have consistently warned about the persistent threat. Tensions have escalated within the country, particularly following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

The security situation in Paris is under heightened scrutiny as the city prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. In October, a young radicalized Islamist from Russia’s Caucasus region killed teacher Dominique Bernard in the northern French town of Arras.

The investigation into the Paris stabbing as a terrorist plot remains ongoing, with French authorities committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of their citizens and visitors.

[Read more: Paris attack: What we know about Armand R., who killed one and injured others near the Eiffel Tower](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2023/12/03/paris-attack-what-we-know-about-armand-r-who-killed-one-and-injured-others-near-the-eiffel-tower_6308641_7.html)

Le Monde with AFP.