An Islamist extremist, known for assaulting police officers, was fatally shot while attempting to attack French military band members near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The assailant, identified as Brahim Bahrir, aged 48 and a French national from Mantes-la-Jolie, had recently been released from prison. He launched a violent assault near the iconic monument, expressing grievances over civilian casualties and challenging authority.
Witnesses reported that Bahrir, who had a history of violence, targeted members of the Gendarmerie Mobile Band with a kitchen knife and scissors. Despite his attempt, one officer managed to evade the attack, while another officer responded by firing multiple shots, striking Bahrir in the chest and leg. The suspect succumbed to his injuries at Georges Pompidou European Hospital, and no other casualties were reported.
Bahrir, released from incarceration seven weeks prior, had a criminal record dating back to 2012 when he stabbed three police officers in Brussels. He was convicted of attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons, and armed rebellion, leading to a 17-year sentence. Following his release from a French prison last Christmas Eve, he was under surveillance due to his radicalization and potential threat.
Earlier on the day of the incident, authorities received a warning call from Bahrir, indicating his intention to harm soldiers. Despite being flagged as a radicalized individual, he had been complying with daily check-ins at a local police station. This incident adds to a series of terror attacks in France by extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, targeting law enforcement personnel.
French President Emmanuel Macron commended the swift response of security forces in thwarting the attack at the Arc de Triomphe. He expressed solidarity with the injured gendarme and emphasized resilience against Islamist terrorism.
