Man Shot by Police After Knife Assault in Central Paris
PARIS — A dramatic incident unfolded near the iconic Arc de Triomphe on February 13, 2026, when a man wielding a knife confronted law enforcement officers and was fatally shot. The suspect was later declared dead after being transported to hospital, and investigators have launched a terrorism-related inquiry.
🔎 Sequence of Events at the Heart of Paris
The confrontation occurred in the early evening at the Place de l’Étoile, close to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a popular historic site where police were conducting the traditional ceremony to rekindle its eternal flame.
According to officials, the individual lunged at officers with a knife and a pair of scissors, targeting a member of the gendarmerie on duty. Another officer fired his weapon to stop the attack, striking the suspect multiple times.
Despite rapid medical attention and transport to a nearby hospital, the attacker succumbed to his injuries later in the evening. Authorities confirmed that no officers or bystanders were seriously hurt during the assault.
🛡️ Security Response and Terror Inquiry
The French Counterterrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken charge of the investigation, classifying the episode as a potential terror incident.
Officials have identified the suspect as a French national with a prior terrorism conviction in Belgium and were monitoring him under judicial supervision following his recent release from prison late last year.
Paris authorities quickly secured the area following the shooting, temporarily closing nearby metro stations and rerouting pedestrians and traffic to ensure public safety.
Interior Ministry leaders and national officials praised the calm and decisive action of the officers involved, noting that the swift response prevented further harm.
