Macron Labels Mulhouse knife attack an ‘Islamist terror act’

A knife attack at a market in eastern France resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, which French officials have classified as a terrorist act, according to CNN. The assailant reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” while targeting several municipal police officers and a bystander, as stated by the prosecutor’s office. One civilian has lost their life, and three officers sustained injuries.

The suspect has since been apprehended and is presently in police custody, as confirmed by the office of France’s national anti-terror prosecutor in a press release. 

“Horror has just gripped our city. A man attacked passers-by at the covered canal market with a knife, and several municipal police officers who intervened to neutralize him were also injured,” stated Mulhouse town mayor Michele Lutz in a Facebook post on Saturday.

The individual suspected in the incident is a 37-year-old from Algeria, as reported by France’s interior ministry. French President Emmanuel Macron has vehemently denounced the event, characterizing it as “without a doubt, an Islamic terrorist act, based on the statements made by the perpetrator.” He extended his sympathies to the family of the victim and noted that France’s national anti-terror prosecutor is currently investigating the matter. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau indicated that the suspect had a prior conviction for glorifying terrorism, which involves making positive remarks about a terrorist act or organization. Although there were plans for his deportation to Algeria, Retailleau mentioned that the country declined to accept him.

Islamist terrorism has once more perpetrated an attack, and the underlying cause of this incident is attributed to migratory issues, Retailleau stated on X. Retailleau, affiliated with the right-wing party “Les Republicains,” is presently engaged in a campaign for the presidency of the party.