French police have arrested multiple people after a knife attack in Mulhouse eastern France, on February 23rd, 2025. The attack left one person dead and injured several others. President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as an “Islamist terrorist act.”

Details of the Incident

The attacker a 37 year old man born in Algeria was already on a terrorism watchlist and had pending deportation orders. He was arrested at the scene near a busy market in Mulhouse a city close to the German border.

The attack happened around 4 pm local time when demonstrators were gathered in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A 69 year old Portuguese man was killed, and two police officers were seriously injured - one with a wound to a carotid artery and another with an upper body injury. Three more officers sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses reported hearing the attacker shout “Allah Hu Akbar” multiple times during the rampage.

Official Statements

- President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the act was “without a doubt a terrorist attack” pledging to continue fighting terrorism in France.

- Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau revealed that the suspect had a “schizophrenic profile” with a psychiatric history. He also noted that France had attempted to deport the man 10 times but Algeria refused to cooperate.

- Local Prosecutor Nicolas Heitz stated the attacker was listed on France’s terrorist watchlist, known as FSPRT.

- Prime Minister Francois Bayrou mourned the tragedy emphasizing that fanaticism had struck again.

- Mulhouse Mayor Michele Lutz expressed sorrow over the attack, calling it a "horrific event" for the city.

Background and Context

The FSPRT watchlist was introduced in 2015 after the Charlie Hebdo and Jewish supermarket attacks aiming to prevent radicalisation. This latest incident adds to a series of recent stabbing attacks in France. Just last month a man wounded a person in a supermarket in Apt, and in December 2023 a German tourist was fatally stabbed near the Eiffel Tower.

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Impact and Response

The French government has scheduled an emergency immigration control meeting on Wednesday to discuss the security lapses. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasised the need for stricter measures, stating, “We must do more and do better.”

President Macron assured the public that the government remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate terrorism.

As investigations continue, the people of Mulhouse mourn the victims and call for stronger actions against terrorism. The government’s response will likely shape France’s future counter-terrorism policies.