What was meant to be a vibrant celebration of music across France turned into a night of fear and confusion. Nearly 150 attendees were jabbed with syringes during the annual Fête de la Musique. The shocking incident has prompted national concern, leading to at least 12 arrests, with investigations now underway.
The French Music Festival, known for filling the streets with music and crowds each summer, saw record-breaking attendance this year, especially in Paris, where authorities noted public turnout was three to four times the usual. But the excitement quickly gave way to alarm when reports began to surface about random syringe attacks in various cities.
Syringe Attacks Shock Attendees at French Music Festival
According to the French Interior Ministry, 145 victims have been identified so far, with 13 cases reported in Paris alone. In the northeastern city of Metz, officials arrested two suspects, including one confirmed as a syringe attacker. Metz Mayor François Grosdidier confirmed that 15 young women, aged 14 to 20, were among the victims, with the first attack recorded around 9:15 p.m. local time.
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Grosdidier expressed hope that the suspect’s mobile phone would lead authorities to other potential attackers. He added, “Risks are always present… but we had to deal with syringe attacks,” emphasizing the seriousness of the threat.
The motivation behind the attacks remains unclear. Officials have not yet confirmed if the incidents fall under “needle spiking,” a disturbing trend where individuals are injected with substances such as GHB or Rohypnol, often used in drug-facilitated assaults. Victims of such attacks frequently report feeling faint or disoriented, with no memory of the incident.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, social media warnings circulated ahead of the festival. Influencer Abrège Soeur posted a viral TikTok warning that men were planning to sting women at the event. She urged attendees to use “H&M” as a distress code, encouraging those in danger to ask strangers, “Where’s your top from?” If the answer was “H&M,” it signaled they needed help.
This isn’t the first time such attacks have disrupted France’s music festivals. In 2022, the country saw a wave of similar syringe assaults, prompting government alerts and mass arrests. Over 370 individuals were detained that year, with nearly 90 in Paris alone. One 17-year-old was seriously injured and hospitalized with abdominal wounds.
As this year’s French Music Festival season continues, renewed fears about personal safety have cast a shadow over what should be a celebration of art and community. Authorities have urged vigilance, encouraging anyone who suspects foul play to report incidents immediately and undergo toxicology testing.
