Dual Investigations Launched After German Tourist’s Death in Paris

A tragic incident unfolded in Paris over the weekend, leading to the death of a German tourist and an ongoing dual investigation by German and French authorities. The attack, occurring near the Eiffel Tower, has been linked to a suspected terror attack.

The German Federal Prosecutors in Karlsruhe, Germany, announced their investigation into the murder of the German national. This investigation runs parallel to the French probe being handled by anti-terror prosecutors. The assailant, already known to French authorities for previous terror-related activities, is under suspicion for being part of a terrorist organization abroad.

In a terrifying sequence of events, the assailant attacked a German couple with a knife near the Quai de Grenelle. The 23-year-old man, possessing dual German and Filipino citizenship, succumbed to his injuries. He was reported to be a nursing professional who had moved to Germany for work. His companion was injured in the attack. The assailant then attempted to attack two more people with a hammer while fleeing from the police.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin highlighted the suspect’s history of mental health issues and previous surveillance for potential radicalization. The suspect had reportedly pledged allegiance to the so-called “Islamic State” (IS) in a social media video. He had also served a prison sentence for planning an attack in 2016.

Hans-Jakob Schindler, a senior director at the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), expressed concerns over this new method of terrorism, which involves inspiring individuals online to conduct attacks without complex planning. This approach, according to Schindler, is a tactic used by IS to maintain relevance and public attention.

The French investigation uncovered a video of the attacker swearing allegiance to IS. The born Frenchman of Iranian descent had previously been convicted for planning an attack on Paris’s business district, La Défense. His mother had reported concerns about his behavior to the police, but authorities found no immediate reason to intervene.

French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, expressed condolences and emphasized the nation’s resilience against terrorism. Macron’s message, conveyed on social media, extended sympathy to the victim’s family. Borne praised the professionalism and bravery of the security and rescue forces involved in apprehending the attacker.

This incident in Paris adds to a series of similar attacks that have shaken France in recent times. The country had raised its highest alert level for terror threats following an attack on a school in Arras and other incidents, indicating an ongoing concern about domestic terrorism and radicalization.