During France's nationwide Fête de la Musique on June 21, 2025, a spine-chilling string of syringe stabbings left the country's party-goers stunned. Police confirm 145 individuals reported they were stabbed, with the nation erupting in outrage and having fears of well-coordinated assaults specifically targeted at young women. The French Interior Ministry launched an elite-level investigation and arrested 12 suspects connected with the attacks.
/*Several Cities, Mass Panic*/
They were performed in different major cities, ranging from Paris (13 cases) to Metz (17 cases), Angoulême, Tours, Évreux, Rouen, and so forth. In Paris alone, numerous victims, such as a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old male, were attacked. They complained of acute, sudden stings on their arms or backs during crowded performances and parades. The authorities described the crowds as being "unprecedented," hence making it easier for perpetrators to merge.
/*Toxicology Tests Amid Substance Fears*/
Symptoms expressed by the victims were dizziness, hot flashes, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Scores were taken into the hospital to undergo toxicology screens to determine whether or not the syringes contained anything harmful, specifically date-rape drugs like GHB or Rohypnol, although there is no confirmation yet. Authorities state that in the majority of situations, the syringes can be empty or substituted with something pointy, like sewing needles or compasses intended more to intimidate than poison, but all the cases are being thoroughly examined.
/*Arrests, Social Media Warnings, and Investigation*/
France's Interior Ministry confirmed 12 arrests related to the syringe attacks, with four suspects in Angoulême and two in Metz, one of whom was arrested having a needle in their possession. In Metz, CCTV footage and cell phone records had identified a suspect from the initial report at 9:15 p.m., Mayor François Grosdidier confirmed. The police also reported that social media invitations (e.g., Snapchat) to spontaneous syringe attacks had led feminist social media influencers like Abrège Soeur to publicly discourage going to the festival.
/*Impacts on Public Safety and Law Enforcement*/
In addition to syringe stings, authorities detained over 370 people during the festival for other offenses, including looting of stores, additional stabbing incidents, reports of sexual assault, and various drug-related offenses. At least 13 law enforcement officers were hurt. Fourteen participants were treated for severe injury, including a 17-year-old who was discovered with a stab wound. Police warned participants in future festivals to be aware, report immediately if they experience abnormal symptoms so that they can be given medical treatment, and preserve evidence for lab analysis.
/*Preventive measures and historical perspective*/
France itself also had a similar wave of "needle spiking" attacks at nightclubs and festivals in 2022 and 2021, contributing to recent public anxiety. Officials will find out if the syringes were real or symbolic weapons of terror. Officials are planning increased security, surveillance, and rapid medical care at future events to restore the trust of the public before the summer calendar.