Armed Man Threatens Police at Arc de Triomphe in Paris
On Friday, February 13, 2026, at around 6:00 pm, a man armed with a knife threatened police officers at the Place de l'Étoile, near the Arc de Triomphe, while a ceremony to rekindle the flame of the unknown soldier was taking place.
According to authorities, the individual rushed at a police officer with a knife but did not manage to inflict serious injuries. Another officer then used their service weapon to neutralize the attacker. The man was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) immediately took over the investigation, which aims to determine the motivations behind the act and potential links to a terrorist organization.
Based on initial findings, the suspect was known to police and was under judicial surveillance, particularly as part of anti-terrorism monitoring. No other injuries were reported among the police or civilians present at the scene.
Investigation Underway
The PNAT is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the suspect's potential ties to terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days.
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