French police arrested a 25-year-old suspect after three women were stabbed at separate stations on Paris's Line 3 during year-end festivities. The incidents occurred between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm at République, Arts-et-Métier and Opéra; two women were hospitalized but not in critical condition and a third later sought treatment. Investigators used CCTV footage and mobile-phone geolocation to find and detain the suspect in Val-d'Oise at 6:55 pm. Transport police have opened an investigation into attempted homicide and assault with a weapon, and authorities have reinforced security on public transport.
Man Arrested After Three Women Stabbed on Paris Metro During Year‑End Festivities
The attacks happened on a central line of Paris's metro, seen here in a file picture (JULIEN DE ROSA)(JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP/AFP)
French authorities arrested a 25-year-old man on Friday after three women were stabbed at separate stations along Line 3 of the Paris metro as the city marked end-of-year events, prosecutors and transit officials told AFP.
The attacks occurred between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm (1515–1645 GMT) at République and Arts-et-Métier — both adjacent to the Marais district — and at Opéra station, the RATP public transport authority said. An AFP reporter at République described seeing a security team tending to a woman with a leg wound who appeared to be in shock.
Paris police said two of the victims were treated by emergency teams and taken to hospital; neither was in critical condition. A third woman later presented herself at a hospital for treatment, police added.
Investigators used surveillance-camera footage and mobile-phone geolocation to locate the suspect in the Val-d'Oise area north of Paris. Prosecutors said activating geolocation on his phone led to his arrest at 6:55 pm, less than three hours after the first reported attack.
Transport police have opened an inquiry into attempted homicide and assault with a weapon. Paris police said additional security teams were deployed along Line 3 and on site to strengthen safety on the network.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the police response and reiterated a nationwide call for "maximum vigilance" during the year-end period, citing a "very high level of the terrorist threat" and a heightened risk of public disorder. He specifically asked local officials to reinforce visible security measures on public transport.
Paris police chief Patrice Faure lauded the "reactivity and mobilisation" of investigators that led to the swift arrest. Prosecutors and police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the attacks.
Source: AFP reporting and statements from RATP, Paris police and prosecutors.
