MARSEILLE, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 In the center of Marseille, a dramatic attack took place in which 5 people were injured. The perpetrator was a 35-year-old immigrant from Tunisia who had a residence permit in France. It began when he was evicted from his hotel room for not paying rent. Shortly after being forced out, he armed himself with two kitchen knives and a telescopic baton and returned to the building.
He first attacked the new tenant who had taken his room. Then he stabbed the hotel manager and his son in the back. Afterwards, he attempted to attack more random passersby at the hotel snack bar, injuring two of them. Out of the five victims, two were in serious condition, but fortunately all were stabilized.
Police quickly arrived at the scene and, under the threat of their firearms, tried to force the attacker to drop his knife and surrender. He deliberately ignored their orders, and the officers were ultimately forced to shoot. The man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died shortly afterward. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that it appeared the attacker knowingly sought a situation that would end with his death (a so-called suicide by cop).
Everything suggests that the motive behind the attack was a psychological breakdown and personal crisis related to his life situation. The investigation is still ongoing. Some witnesses reported hearing him shout religious phrases. The attack has stirred major public debate in France and reignited questions about migration.
READ MORE:
https://apnews.com/article/france-knife-attack-marseille-hotel-retailleau-a2710ee0714542f4c4ac8b9ad356be42
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/knife-attack-in-france-at-least-4-injured-in-marseille-police-kill-assailant/articleshow/123659742.cms
