A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack that injured three women in Paris has been arrested, French authorities said on Monday. The incident took place in the Porte de Clichy area in the northwest of the French capital and prompted a rapid response from emergency services and police.
According to officials, the attack occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time. The suspect allegedly used two kitchen knives during the assault before being stopped and taken into custody.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by an off-duty police officer who intervened at the scene. Nunez praised the officer’s actions and described the intervention as courageous.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the attack and transported the victims to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities said the three women injured in the incident were aged 19, 24, and 36.
Officials reported that two of the victims sustained serious injuries but are not considered to be in critical condition. One woman suffered a wound to the lower back, while another was injured in the abdomen. The condition of the third victim was not immediately detailed by authorities.
Local media reports indicated that one of the injured women may be pregnant. However, officials had not formally confirmed that information at the time of the latest updates.
Police quickly secured the area after the attack and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities said efforts are continuing to establish the suspect’s identity and background.
Speaking to reporters, Nunez said the man made what he described as an “incoherent” statement during his arrest. However, he urged caution and said investigators should not draw conclusions about the suspect’s motives until further evidence has been reviewed.
French authorities have not announced any indication of a specific motive behind the attack. Investigators are examining witness accounts, evidence from the scene, and information related to the suspect as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The Porte de Clichy district is a busy area in northwestern Paris that includes residential neighborhoods, offices, transportation links, and commercial activity. The incident temporarily disrupted activity in the area as emergency services responded and police carried out security measures.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages. Law enforcement agencies are working to determine whether the suspect acted alone and whether there were any factors that may have contributed to the attack.
The swift intervention by the off-duty officer was credited with helping to stop the incident and prevent further injuries. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the arrest or the weapons involved beyond confirming that two kitchen knives were allegedly used.
Violent incidents involving knives have remained a concern for authorities in several European cities, prompting continued efforts to strengthen public safety measures and improve rapid response capabilities.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and the ongoing investigation. Officials said they will provide further information as more details become available.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed based on verified evidence.
