On Saturday, February 22, in the eastern French town of Mulhouse, a knife attack occurred resulting in one fatality and three injuries. French President Macron stated that this was an incident of “Islamic terrorism”.
According to the French anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, on Saturday afternoon a man attacked local police in Mulhouse while shouting the Islamic slogan “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
The statement also mentioned that a passerby who tried to intervene was killed and three police officers were injured.
Macron, speaking to reporters during the annual French farm show, said, “There is no doubt, judging from the words of the terrorist, that this was an act of Islamic terrorism.” He added that the Minister of Interior was en route to Mulhouse.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
Macron expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated that the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office is investigating the case.
Prosecutor Nicolas Heitz told AFP that a 37-year-old suspect was on a watchlist for terrorist prevention.
Heitz mentioned that in the attack on Saturday, one police officer sustained injuries to the neck artery, while another was injured in the chest.
The attack took place shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday during a demonstration supporting Congo.
According to union sources, the suspect, who was born in Algeria, is under judicial supervision and house arrest, and France has ordered his deportation.