Three Women Injured in Paris Knife Attack, Suspect Says: Allah Ordered Me to Do It

A knife attack near a tram stop in northern Paris left three women injured, including one who was pregnant.

According to French authorities, two of them were taken to hospital in serious condition, while the third suffered less severe injuries. The victims are aged 19, 24 and 36.

Police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the incident. He is suspected of attacking the women in the street with two kitchen knives.

Witnesses at the scene said they saw a man carrying two knives stab three people. They said a young man then struck the attacker with a bag and knocked him to the ground.

An off-duty police officer also intervened immediately, subduing and handcuffing the suspect. His identity and the reason for the attack remain unclear.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the 31-year-old had made unclear statements to investigators. He urged against drawing premature conclusions about the motive.

Reuters, citing video footage and witness accounts from the scene, reported that immediately after the attack, the suspect was heard saying: “Allah ordered me to do this.”

France’s anti-terrorism office said it was monitoring the proceedings initiated by the Paris Prosecutor’s Office.