Widespread panic has erupted following reports of horrific violence, stabbings, and sexual assaults during the annual ‘Fête de la Musique’ festival in Paris.
According to eyewitnesses and victims, the festival descended into a “night of anarchy” and an “apocalyptic” scene. Female tourists attending the event alleged that they were attacked with syringes containing unknown substances; incidents of rape and physical assault were also reported.
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, 243 people have been arrested so far in connection with these events, with 148 of them detained in Paris alone.
Reports indicate that two people were stabbed, and multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault surfaced during the festival. Additionally, there were incidents of street muggings, vandalism of shops, and violent clashes.
Eyewitnesses reported that car windows were smashed and attempts were made to loot shops in certain areas. Videos circulating on social media show groups of youths striking vehicles and brawls breaking out on the streets.
A British eyewitness stated that the first clashes began after 11 PM near the Châtelet area. He described the streets as dangerously overcrowded, noting that some youths began beating people; screams filled the air as panic spread.
An Irish woman issued a warning on TikTok, stating, “This isn’t a festival; it’s like World War Z. Just sirens and chaos. It’s absolutely apocalyptic.”
Police confirmed receiving reports of at least ten incidents where women were injected with unknown substances via syringes.
In one incident, a woman was allegedly attacked and subsequently raped at her home in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. In another, a 15-year-old girl reported being raped. Incidents of sexual harassment, mugging, and assault were also reported across various areas.
The Daily Mail reported widespread vandalism of vehicles, attempted looting of shops, and attacks on members of the public across different parts of Paris. Multiple videos show people fighting in the streets and dancing atop the shattered windshield of a car.
A man and a woman were injured in separate stabbing incidents in the Toulouse and Colomiers areas; they were subsequently treated at a hospital and are in stable condition. According to a Daily Mail report, over two million people participated in the festivities in Paris last Sunday. Approximately 5,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to maintain order. Most of the violence erupted after 11 PM in the Châtelet area and along the banks of the Seine River.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron had urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating that while the spirit of celebration and joy should be upheld, everyone must also remain mindful of safety.
