Two municipal police officers in Toulouse were injured Aug. 10 in a bladed-weapon attack; the suspect was detained and authorities reported 'remarks of a terrorist nature.' Both officers were taken to Rangueil University Hospital, and their conditions have not been disclosed. Unverified video shows a struggle with multiple officers, and a police union said the attacker allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar.' France remains on heightened terror alert, and the incident follows a July 27 knife attack in Paris.
Knife Attack in Toulouse Wounds Two Municipal Officers; Suspect Detained
2 police officers attacked, wounded in France; suspect arrested
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Two municipal police officers in Toulouse were wounded Monday evening after being attacked with a bladed weapon, authorities said. The suspect was detained at the scene, and officials reported that 'remarks of a terrorist nature' were made during the incident.
Toulouse Mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc said the officers were patrolling Rue d'Austerlitz when they were assaulted. Both were taken to Rangueil University Hospital for treatment; officials did not provide an update on their conditions.
Unverified video circulating online shows a man struggling with three police officers on a largely empty street. In the footage, two officers armed with batons engage the suspect; he breaks past them and lunges at a third officer, who then deploys an apparent irritant spray. Another officer appears to subdue the suspect by restraining him and bringing him to the ground.
Alliance Police Nationale, a major French police union, said the assailant allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during the attack. The union emphasized that attacks on officers are attacks on the principles they represent — order, the law and authority — and offered 'unreserved support' for their colleagues.
Mayor Moudenc: 'My thoughts are with our officers, their families and their colleagues. I offer them my full support and wish them a speedy recovery.'
Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region in southern France, near the France–Spain border and roughly 420 miles south of Paris. France has been on a heightened terrorism alert level since June 22.
The Toulouse incident follows a July 27 knife attack in Paris that injured three women; that suspect was subdued by bystanders and detained by an off-duty police officer. The victims were hospitalized, and the last was discharged late last week.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances. Several details in online footage and union statements remain unverified; officials have used the term 'possibly terrorism-related' while inquiries proceed.
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