Paris Stabbing: Tourist Killed and Two Others Wounded in Suspected Terrorist Attack by Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tourist Fatally Stabbed in Paris in Suspected Terrorist Attack

PARIS: A man with a history of radical Islamism and mental health issues stabbed a tourist to death and injured two others in central Paris on Saturday night. The French authorities have arrested the suspect, identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a 24-year-old French national of Iranian descent. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into a suspected “terrorist plot” in connection with the attack.

The incident took place near the iconic Eiffel Tower at around 9:00 pm local time, during a busy weekend. The attack occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. French prosecutors specializing in terrorist incidents are leading the investigation.

The victim, a 23-year-old German-Filipino citizen, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals, a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French national, sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The suspect, who was known to the authorities and undergoing treatment for mental illness, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is greatest”) during the attack, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

During the interrogation, Rajabpour-Miyandoab expressed his anger over the killings of Muslims in Afghanistan and Palestine and accused France of complicity in Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The attacker’s parents reside in the Essonne region, south of Paris.

The French government responded swiftly to the incident. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne emphasized that the country will not succumb to terrorism, while President Emmanuel Macron extended his condolences to the victim’s family, describing the attack as a “terrorist act.”

Authorities have confirmed that the attacker posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The content of the video reportedly focused on current events, the government, and the alleged persecution of innocent Muslims.

The suspect’s medical history will be closely examined as part of the investigation. Security sources have described Rajabpour-Miyandoab as “very unstable and easily influenced.” Questions have arisen regarding whether he received adequate medical monitoring, considering his previous conviction in 2016 for planning another attack in Paris.

The swift response of a taxi driver, who intervened and protected the wife of the slain tourist, prevented further harm. The attacker then crossed a nearby bridge and attacked others, injuring one individual with a hammer. Police pursued the suspect and used a taser to neutralize him before making the arrest.

President Macron expressed gratitude to the security forces for their prompt action and called for justice to be served in the name of the French people.

Witnesses at the scene described the chaos and panic that ensued during the attack. Joseph S., a 37-year-old supermarket manager, recounted hearing screams for help as people ran from the assailant. He witnessed the attacker wielding a hammer and targeting a fallen victim before the police arrived.

France has experienced several attacks by Islamist extremists in recent years, including the 2015 Paris attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, which resulted in the death of 130 people. Although the frequency of such incidents had decreased, authorities have consistently warned of the persistent threat. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in France, which is home to sizable Jewish and Muslim populations.

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 a teacher in the northern French town of Arras.

As the investigation into this latest attack unfolds, authorities will continue to assess the suspect’s motives and any potential connections to terrorist organizations. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by France and the need for vigilance in combating terrorism..