Tragic Incident at French Children’s Playground Leaves Several Wounded
On August 31st, a terrible incident occurred at a children’s playground in the south-eastern French resort town of Annecy. A 31-year-old Syrian man attacked six people, leaving four young children and one adult in serious condition. Another adult was also injured, but their injuries are less severe.
Victims Ranging in Age
The affected children are between 22 months and three years old, including a British girl, a Dutch boy, and two brothers. Although terrorist motivation is ruled out, authorities are investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.
Suspect Being Investigated
The alleged perpetrator was quickly detained and is currently being questioned to determine the motive behind his actions. The suspect received refugee status in Sweden ten years ago, where he married and has a three-year-old daughter. He recently separated from his partner and arrived in France at the end of 2021.
No Known Records:
There are no known police or psychiatric records in the suspect’s file. When he applied for asylum in France, the suspect defined himself as a Christian. A cross and a Christian prayer book were found in his possession.
Attack Occurred in Play Area
The attack occurred at 07:45 GMT at a children’s play area inside the Garden of Europe park, located next to Lake Annecy. Eyewitnesses recounted how the assailant began to yell and attack the children with a knife, some of whom were in strollers.
Video Footage Shows Suspect Fleeing
In a video recorded by a witness, which authorities have asked not to be released online, the suspect can be heard shouting in English “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Images captured with mobile phones and shared on social networks show the alleged perpetrator running away with the knife in his right hand, dressed in black, with sunglasses, a beard, and a “keffieh” on his head.
Swift Action by Authorities
The suspect was arrested just four minutes after the stabbings, thanks to the fast response of a nearby patrol of officers. French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the attack, calling it “absolute cowardice.”
This terrible incident has shocked the entire nation of France, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
