Before being shot by police, a knife attacker in Paris’ Gare du Nord train station injured six people in an unprovoked attack according to the French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin.
One of Europe’s busiest train stations, Gare du Nord serves as a center for high-speed trains to many countries, notably Eurostar services to and from London.
At around 6:43 am (05:43 GMT), the man was said to have attacked several people , including a police officer, with a “bladed weapon”.
Gerald Darmanin claimed that the unnamed attacker, who had been shot three times and rushed to a hospital with serious injuries, was currently “between life and death” at the hospital.
According to officials, among the injured were a border police officer and a number of passengers. The police officer was stabbed in the back by the attacker, but a bulletproof vest protected him. Another victim received a major shoulder blade injury and was rushed for medical care.
According to the live departure display of rail operator SNCF, the event resulted in train delays at the station, which acts as a hub for trains to London and Northern Europe, during the morning rush.
The interior minister thanked the police “for their effective and courageous reaction”.
The reason behind the attack was not immediately apparent. After a string of violent assaults since 2015, France has maintained a level of high security alert.
Another knife-wielding man was killed on the scene in February 2022 after he attacked security personnel at the Gare du Nord.
Author-Roberta Appiah
