In a tragic incident at a bustling market in Mulhouse, eastern France, one person has died and several others are injured following a knife attack that authorities have labeled as a terrorist act. The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian man, launched the attack at the covered canal market, targeting municipal police officers and a passerby. Officials have confirmed the suspect's arrest, and he is currently in police custody.
The incident unfolded when the attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar" before launching his assault, leaving three municipal police officers injured and resulting in the death of a civilian. French President Emmanuel Macron has described the attack as an "Islamic terrorist act," and the French national anti-terror prosecutor has taken charge of the investigation.
The suspect had previously been convicted for apology of terrorism and was slated for deportation to Algeria. However, complications arose when Algeria refused to accept his return. These migratory issues may have played a role in the suspect remaining in France, where he later carried out this attack.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community. Michèle Lutz, the mayor of Mulhouse, expressed her deep concern over the incident:
"Horror has just gripped our city. A man attacked passers-by at the covered canal market with a knife, several municipal police officers who intervened to neutralize him were also injured." – Michèle Lutz, Mulhouse town mayor
The interior ministry confirmed the suspect's Algerian nationality, highlighting ongoing challenges related to migration and deportation processes in France. This attack underscores the need for effective measures to address such issues and prevent future incidents.
