German-Filipino Tourist Killed in Paris Stabbing Attack: Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab Arrested in Suspected Terrorist Plot

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Paris Stabbing Attack: Suspected Terrorist Plot Unfolds Near Eiffel Tower

PARIS, France — In a tragic incident late Saturday night, a man with a history of radical Islamism and mental health issues carried out a stabbing attack near the iconic Eiffel Tower, resulting in the death of a tourist and the injury of two others. French authorities have arrested the suspect, identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a 26-year-old French national of Iranian descent. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into a suspected “terrorist plot” in relation to the attack.

The attack took place around 9:00 pm local time, during a bustling weekend in the heart of Paris. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in the country due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As a result, France is on high alert for any potential security threats.

Prosecutors handling terrorist incidents have initiated a probe into the attacker, who shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is greatest”) during the assault. The deceased victim, a 23-year-old German-Filipino citizen, was identified by a judicial source. The suspect will face charges of murder in relation to the victim, as well as attempted murder of a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French national. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that the investigation is looking into a possible connection to a terrorist plot.

Rajabpour-Miyandoab, who was already known to authorities and receiving treatment for mental illness, expressed his grievances during the attack. He voiced his anger over the killings of Muslims in Afghanistan and Palestine and accused France of being complicit in the actions of Israel in the Gaza Strip. The suspect, who resided with his parents in the Essonne region south of Paris, has a history of radicalization and was previously sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack in the La Defense business district, which he did not carry out.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed her resolve in the face of terrorism, stating, “We will not give in to terrorism.” President Emmanuel Macron extended his condolences to the family of the victim, referring to the incident as a “terrorist attack.”

Authorities have discovered that the attacker posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack, where he discussed “current events, the government, and the murder of innocent Muslims.” Investigators will closely examine his medical history, as he has been described as “very unstable and easily influenced.”

During the assault, a taxi driver intervened, saving the wife of the slain tourist. The attacker then proceeded to cross the bridge, attacking others and injuring one person with a hammer. Police pursued the suspect and used a taser to neutralize him before making the arrest.

In response to the incident, President Macron expressed gratitude to the security forces for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and called for justice to be served “in the name of the French people.”

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with screams and pleas for help filling the air. Joseph S., a 37-year-old supermarket manager who witnessed the attack, recounted hearing people shouting for assistance as they ran away. He observed a man wielding a hammer attacking a fallen individual before the police arrived within five to ten minutes.

France has unfortunately experienced numerous attacks by Islamist extremists in recent years, including the notorious November 2015 attacks in Paris, claimed by the Islamic State group, that resulted in the deaths of 130 people. While there has been a relative decrease in such incidents, officials have consistently emphasized the ongoing threat.

Tensions have escalated in France following the Hamas attack on Israel in October and the subsequent Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The country, known for its significant Jewish and Muslim populations, is currently under heightened security measures as it prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

The stabbing attack near the Eiffel Tower serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism and the need for continued vigilance in maintaining public safety. French authorities will undoubtedly intensify their efforts to prevent future attacks and ensure the security of the nation.

© Agence France-Presse.