islamist-knife-attack-in-france-1-dead-several-injured

A man was killed and two police officers were seriously injured in a knife attack in Mulhouse, France, on Saturday. A 37-year-old Algerian suspect, who was on a terrorism watch list and under a deportation order, was arrested at the scene.

 

Authorities have launched a terrorism investigation after the suspect reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the attack.

 

The incident occurred near a busy market around 4 p.m. local time while police officers were on patrol during a demonstration in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

A 69-year-old Portuguese man who attempted to intervene was fatally stabbed, while one officer sustained a neck injury and another was wounded in the chest. Three other officers suffered minor injuries.

 

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, calling it an act of Islamist terrorism and reaffirming his government's commitment to combating extremism.

 

"I want to reiterate the determination of the government, and mine, to continue the work to eradicate terrorism on our soil," Macron said, offering condolences to the victim's family.

 

Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz described the attack as a moment of "horror" for the city, while Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed his condolences, stating that "fanaticism has struck again, and we are in mourning."

 

The officer with the chest injury was later discharged from hospital, while the second remains under medical care.

 

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited the scene on Saturday evening and revealed that France had attempted to deport the suspect 10 times, but Algeria refused to accept him.

 

Retailleau urged for changes in deportation policies and called for a "balance of power" with Algeria, stressing the need to reform detention centre regulations.

 

Authorities also disclosed that the suspect had been diagnosed with schizophrenia following his arrest.

 

The attack has reignited debates over immigration policies and counterterrorism measures in France, a country that has faced repeated incidents of Islamist extremism in recent years.