Syringe Attack at French Music Festival Sends Over a Dozen Young Women to Hospital
In a deeply troubling incident during France’s iconic Fêtes de la Musique, more than a dozen young women were hospitalized after reportedly being attacked with syringes. The mass incident took place in La Rochelle on the evening of Saturday, June 21, and has sparked nationwide concern regarding public safety at cultural events.
According to François Grosdidier, Mayor of Metz, local police received emergency calls around 9:15 p.m. reporting suspicious activity involving syringes. When officers arrived at Rue du Palais, they discovered multiple young women—aged between 14 and 20—in need of medical attention after being pricked by unknown objects.
Authorities acted swiftly, with emergency responders and firefighters setting up a centralized medical point at Place d'Armes to triage the victims. All those affected were transferred to a local hospital for treatment.
One Suspect Detained, Investigation Underway
A male suspect has since been arrested in connection with the attacks. Mayor Grosdidier confirmed the man was identified with the help of one of the victims and security footage. He was initially reported to the Criminal Unit for Drug Prevention and Abuse, then handed over to the French National Police and judicial authorities.
Although the suspect is now in custody, no syringes were found in his possession, and the exact nature of the weapon or substance used remains unknown. Grosdidier expressed hope that digital forensics, particularly an analysis of the suspect’s mobile phone, will uncover whether others were involved.
French outlet Le Républicain Lorrain reported that similar syringe attacks also occurred in Place de la République and Place Saint-Jacques, indicating a possible broader pattern of assault.
Additional Incidents During the Festival
The same evening, a second arrest was made after an unrelated but disturbing event. A man was taken into custody for reportedly slapping a young girl during the festival. Mayor Grosdidier stated that multiple altercations occurred throughout the night, but were largely brought under control by local law enforcement.
In a surprising twist, authorities also rescued a distressed dog that had been trapped inside a parked car, underscoring the variety of challenges emergency teams faced that evening.
Ongoing Concerns and Public Reaction
The Fêtes de la Musique is a cherished national celebration held annually across France to mark the beginning of summer with free live music in public spaces. However, this year’s festivities have been overshadowed by these alarming events.
As of June 23, the French National Police has not released an official statement regarding the syringe attack. Meanwhile, public discourse across social media and local communities remains tense, as citizens demand tighter security measures for mass gatherings.
Mayor Grosdidier has vowed transparency as the investigation continues and urged anyone with information or potential video evidence to come forward.