145 people jabbed with needles in mass syringe attack at France music festival | World News
French police have arrested 12 people after a wave of syringe attacks during the country’s annual Fête de la Musique, with 145 victims reporting being pricked with needles at street celebrations across the country.
The festival drew millions into the streets Saturday night, with Paris authorities describing “unprecedented crowds.”
Prosecutors said three victims in the capital — including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man — were attacked in separate incidents and later reported feeling unwell.
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It remains unclear whether the attacks involved drugging agents like GHB or Rohypnol, often used in sexual assaults. Some victims were hospitalised for toxicology tests, the Interior Minry said.
Warnings had circulated online before the event, including a post femin influencer Abrège Soeur, who said social media users were urging attacks on women using syringes. The origin of those messages remains unknown.
Among those arrested were four suspects in Angoulême, believed to have targeted up to 50 people, and two men in Metz, where victims were reportedly minors. One of the suspects had a hory of violent offences.
Similar reports emerged from cities including Tours, Rouen, and Évreux, where women told authorities they felt needle pricks and experienced sudden pain or discomfort. In Tours alone, 13 women approached emergency services with complaints.Story continues below this ad
The incidents echo a spate of needle attacks reported in 2022, prompting the government to issue public warnings and call for vigilance at nightclubs, concerts, and bars.
Beyond the syringe cases, this year’s festival saw 370 people detained nationwide for various offences. Fourteen participants were seriously injured, including a 17-year-old found with stab wounds in Paris. Thirteen police officers were also hurt.
