Paris, France – French authorities have launched a nationwide investigation after 145 people reported being pricked with syringes during the annual Fête de la Musique celebrations, which took place across the country on Saturday night.
According to the Interior Ministry, the alarming reports came from multiple cities, with 13 cases confirmed in Paris alone. Law enforcement detained 12 individuals in connection with the incidents, including four suspects in Angoulême, who are believed to have targeted up to 50 victims.
Millions gathered across France for the annual street festival, with unprecedented crowds reported in the capital. The event was marred, however, by social media posts that had circulated prior to the festival, allegedly encouraging attacks on women during the festivities.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the attacks involved needle spiking with sedatives or date-rape drugs, such as GHB or Rohypnol, which are commonly used to render victims unconscious or disoriented.
“Some victims were taken to hospital for toxicology testing,” the Interior Ministry stated, adding that results are still pending.
Multiple Victims, Including Minors
In Paris, prosecutors confirmed that three separate investigations had been opened following reports from a 15-year-old girl, an 18-year-old man, and one other individual—all of whom reported feeling unwell after being pricked.
In total, 14 people were seriously injured during the festival, including a 17-year-old found with stab wounds to the lower abdomen, who remains hospitalized. Additionally, 13 police officers sustained injuries during the night.
More than 370 people were arrested across France during the festival for various offenses, nearly 90 of them in Paris, authorities confirmed.
Despite the reports, Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez stated that “no major incident has been reported,” referring to the broader event. Still, the widespread nature of the syringe attacks has raised serious concerns about public safety at large gatherings.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the stabbings were coordinated, motivated by online incitement, or part of isolated criminal acts.
