Syringe terror at French music festival: 145 stabbed, illegal migrants among suspects
By isabelle // 2025-06-24
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  • France’s Fête de la Musique turned violent as 145 people, mostly young women and minors, were stabbed with syringes in a suspected coordinated attack.
  • Twelve suspects, including illegal immigrants, were arrested, with fears of date-rape drugs and social media involvement in organizing the assaults.
  • Victims as young as 14 reported dizziness, hot flashes, and unconsciousness, with many hospitalized for toxicological tests.
  • Similar syringe attacks occurred in 2022, raising concerns about recurring threats at public events despite prior warnings.
  • Authorities face scrutiny over immigration enforcement and public safety as outrage grows over the attacks.
France’s annual Fête de la Musique, a celebration of music and freedom, turned into a nightmare on June 21 as at least 145 people, many of them young women and minors, were stabbed with syringes in what appears to be a coordinated attack. French police arrested 12 suspects, including illegal immigrants, while toxicological tests were conducted on victims to determine if date-rape drugs were involved. Authorities suspect social media may have played a role in organizing the assaults, which have reignited fears of sexual violence and mass poisoning at public events.

A festival turned into a hunting ground

The Fête de la Musique, held nationwide, draws millions into the streets for free concerts and festivities. But this year, the event was marred by reports of syringe attacks, with victims as young as 14. According to the French Interior Ministry, 145 people reported being pricked, with 13 cases in Paris alone. “Some victims were taken to the hospital for toxicological tests,” the Ministry confirmed, though officials refused to disclose whether drugs like Rohypnol or GHB—commonly used in sexual assaults—were detected. In Metz, several minors were targeted, including a 14-year-old girl. Police arrested two men in connection with the attacks, one of whom was already known to authorities for prior violent offenses. Meanwhile, in Montpellier, a 28-year-old Bangladeshi man who was reportedly under a deportation order was detained. The presence of illegal immigrants among the suspects has fueled outrage, raising questions about France’s immigration enforcement.

Social media’s sinister role

Before the festival, feminist influencer Abrège Soeur warned that social media posts were circulating urging attackers to target women with syringes. One father revealed his daughter refused to attend after seeing TikTok videos promoting the assaults. While authorities have not confirmed direct links to these posts, the scale and timing of the attacks suggest coordination. Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez condemned the online calls as “completely idiotic,” yet the damage was done. Victims described being pricked in crowds, often unaware of their assailants. Symptoms ranged from dizziness and hot flashes to loss of consciousness, with many left bruised and traumatized.

A recurring threat

This isn’t the first time France has faced syringe terror. In 2022, hundreds reported similar attacks at clubs and festivals, prompting government warnings. A police memo from that year noted victims were typically stabbed in the arms, buttocks, or back without seeing their attackers. The latest incidents suggest a disturbing resurgence of the trend. Beyond the syringe attacks, the festival saw widespread chaos. More than 370 arrests were made nationwide, including 90 in Paris, for offenses ranging from violence to theft. Fourteen people suffered serious injuries, including a 17-year-old stabbed in the abdomen. Thirteen police officers were also hurt in the melee.

Authorities under scrutiny

As investigations continue, people are demanding answers. Why were known deportable aliens still on the streets? Why has syringe spiking persisted despite past warnings? The lack of transparency around toxicology results has only deepened suspicions. The French Interior Ministry insists it takes the attacks “very seriously,” but victims and their families are left wondering if enough is being done to protect them. With Paris preparing for its summer festival season, the pressure is on to prevent further atrocities.

A wake-up call for Europe

This incident isn’t just a French problem. It’s a reminder of how easily public gatherings can be weaponized. The targeting of young women, many of whom now fear attending festivals, highlights a broader crisis of safety in Europe’s open societies. Will France crack down on the unchecked immigration and lax enforcement that enabled this horror? Or will the streets remain hunting grounds for predators? Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com TheGuardian.com CNN.com ABCNews.go.com
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