145 People Injected with Syringes at French Music Festival
French authorities have detained 12 individuals following a series of syringe attacks that left at least 145 people injected with syringes at a French music festival, sparking national concern over public safety at large gatherings.
The incidents occurred during the annual Fête de la Musique, a nationwide street music festival held on June 21, attracting millions of attendees to concerts and parties across France.
According to the French Interior Ministry, victims — both men and women — reported being pricked by unknown assailants in crowded public spaces. Thirteen cases were confirmed in Paris alone, with dozens more in cities including Angoulême, Metz, and Lyon.
Social Media Warnings Preceded Attacks
French officials revealed that in the days leading up to the festival, disturbing posts circulated on social media platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok, allegedly encouraging individuals to target women with syringes during the event.
A French feminist influencer, speaking on TikTok, warned followers of the online threats, prompting heightened vigilance among attendees. Authorities are investigating these digital messages as part of a broader probe into the attacks.
Victims and Symptoms
The Interior Ministry confirmed that 145 people injected with syringes at the French music festival have come forward. Some victims reported feeling unwell shortly after being pricked, including dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
Three individuals in Paris — a 15-year-old girl, an 18-year-old man, and another adult — filed formal complaints after experiencing symptoms consistent with being injected, though medical tests are ongoing to determine if any substances were involved.
“At this stage, there is no confirmation of toxic substances administered,” a police spokesperson said, noting that in previous similar incidents in France, toxicological analyses often failed to detect narcotics or sedatives.
Arrests and Investigations
Twelve suspects have been detained across France in connection with the syringe attacks, with four individuals arrested in Angoulême believed to be linked to approximately 50 of the reported cases. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether these incidents are coordinated or isolated acts of violence.
Authorities also arrested over 370 people for various public order offenses during the festival, though most were unrelated to the syringe cases.
In Metz, surveillance footage reportedly helped identify and apprehend one suspect shortly after the first known syringe attack in that city at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Despite the alarming reports, police emphasized that the overall festival proceeded without large-scale disturbances, aside from these targeted assaults.
National and International Concerns
The Fête de la Musique, celebrated annually in France and in cities worldwide, traditionally marks the summer solstice with free public concerts. This year’s edition drew unprecedented crowds, particularly in Paris.
The attacks have reignited fears reminiscent of previous needle-spiking incidents in Europe. In 2022, France saw a surge of similar reports at nightclubs and concerts, many of which remained unsolved due to the absence of detected drugs in victims’ systems.
Health officials urge anyone who believes they were injected to seek immediate medical testing and file a police report. Victims are advised to preserve any evidence, including clothing or photographs of puncture wounds.
Public health authorities caution that symptoms such as dizziness or faintness may not always indicate drug exposure, as anxiety or panic can produce similar effects in crowded environments.
Government Response and Preventative Measures
French President Emmanuel Macron has been briefed on the incidents, and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced enhanced efforts to track online activity promoting such attacks.
“We are taking these threats very seriously,” Darmanin stated, adding that forensic teams are analyzing blood samples from victims, and digital investigators are working to trace the origins of the social media posts inciting violence.
Event organizers across France and neighboring countries are reviewing security protocols for upcoming public gatherings in light of these developments.
No Clear Motive Yet
Authorities have yet to establish a motive behind the syringe attacks. No group has claimed responsibility, and investigators are considering multiple theories, including coordinated assaults or copycat actions driven by social media influence.
For now, officials urge the public to remain vigilant.
“If you feel unwell, notice an injection mark, or witness suspicious behavior, contact emergency services immediately,” a statement from the Interior Ministry advised.
As investigations continue, the French government faces growing calls to enhance safety measures and reassure the public ahead of summer festivals and large-scale events across Europe.
