Knife attack in Paris thwarted by quick-thinking bystander, witness says

A knife attack in Paris on Monday, which wounded three women, was thwarted by the swift actions of an off-duty French police officer and quick-thinking bystanders. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the Porte de Clichy area of the city's north.

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We must obviously remain very cautious regarding the motives behind this extremely violent act.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that the suspect, whose identity and motive are still under investigation, attacked three women aged 19, 24, and 36. Two of the victims sustained serious injuries and were in critical condition, with one being pregnant. The suspect was apprehended at the scene after being subdued by an off-duty officer who intervened, reportedly using his bag to knock the attacker down, followed by assistance from other bystanders.

During his apprehension, the suspect was heard in amateur video clips making statements such as "It is Allah who commanded me." Minister Nunez described the suspect's statements as "incoherent" and cautioned against premature conclusions regarding a motive, emphasizing the need for caution. Authorities are still determining whether the attack warrants a terrorism investigation.

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I firmly condemn this act, and we are told that the individual is making incoherent statements.

The incident occurred shortly after a separate event in Berlin, where a man identified as an Islamic extremist drove a rented minivan into a Pride parade, killing one woman and injuring 29 others. While Nunez refrained from drawing direct links, the timing and nature of the Paris attack have prompted heightened scrutiny.

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We saw a man walk by with two knives and stab three people. Then a young man with a small suitcase hit him with his bag, knocking him to the ground.