French police have arrested 12 suspects after a shocking series of syringe attacks at a music festival in La Rochelle, France. Over 145 people reported being stabbed with syringes during the Fête de la Musique, a popular event that saw millions of people celebrating across the country. Among the victims, more than a dozen were young women aged 14 to 20, many of whom required hospitalization after the incidents.
The alarming situation unfolded on Saturday night when Metz Mayor François Grosdidier announced that police received a call around 9:15 p.m. local time regarding these attacks. Authorities quickly responded to Rue du Palais, where they found multiple victims. Emergency services treated them at the scene before transporting them to a local hospital for further care. The nature of the substance potentially injected remains unknown, and toxicological tests are currently underway.
Grosdidier expressed hope that the investigation, particularly through examining the suspects’ cellphones, would lead to identifying additional attackers. The arrests were made across various locations in France, with four suspects in Angouleme believed to have targeted around 50 victims.
This incident is not isolated. A similar wave of syringe attacks occurred in June 2022, causing panic in nightclubs and concerts. During that time, many individuals filed complaints, but medical tests often revealed no harmful substances. Authorities are still investigating the motives behind these attacks.
Before the festival, concerns were raised by a French feminist influencer, Abrège Soeur, who warned online about potential syringe attacks targeting women. She suggested a code for women to use if they felt threatened, which involved asking if someone bought their shirt at H&M. This code was meant to help identify those in danger.
As the investigation continues, the Interior Ministry is working with various agencies to ensure public safety and to determine the motives behind these attacks. The community is left shaken, and many are calling for increased security measures at public events to prevent such incidents in the future.