A knife attack in the southeastern French town of Annecy, near the Swiss border, has left at least five people injured, including four children. According to officials, two of the children and an adult have sustained life-threatening wounds.
The assailant, identified through his Syrian national identity papers as being born in 1991, was promptly apprehended by the police at the scene. Although not previously known to local authorities, he had legally entered France and sought asylum in November of last year. Prior to his arrival in France, he had resided in Sweden for a decade and held refugee status there.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as an act of extreme cowardice. Taking to Twitter, he expressed the nation’s shock and conveyed thoughts and support to the victims, their families, and the dedicated rescue services.
In Paris, lawmakers halted a debate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims.
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According to a report by WSFB, the attack occurred in a park situated on the shores of Lake Annecy, which attracted numerous tourists with its playground, boats, and pedalos.
Eyewitnesses described the assailant emerging suddenly and launching into a frenzy, repeatedly stabbing the children near the pushchairs. Another witness stated that upon realizing he was surrounded by police officers, the attacker targeted an elderly woman by stabbing her.
Annecy Mayor François Astorg assured residents that the situation was now under control, with no further danger present.
