Image: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE (AFP)
According to different reports, three to five people were in mortal danger after the attack in Annecy. But what drove the man who attacked small children? French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter: “The nation is in shock.” But what exactly happened on Thursday in the eastern French city near the Swiss border was initially unclear.
Attacked children in strollers
According to video images, the authenticity of which the newspaper “Le Parisien” claims to have checked, the perpetrator repeatedly attacked small children who were in prams. A woman screamed and tried to push the perpetrator back from the children. “Two city officials tried to stop the perpetrator as he carried out his crimes,” said Annecy Mayor François Astorg. He praised the courage of the helpers, psychological care had been set up.
Ex-professional footballer Anthony Le Tallec also witnessed the attack. While jogging by the lake, he suddenly saw people running towards him. “Suddenly a mother said to me, run, run, there’s someone stabbing everyone.” Then he saw the perpetrator running across the meadow, who was being followed by the police. The perpetrator ran up to a couple of pneumonia patients and attacked the old man and stabbed him twice. Finally, the police overpowered the attacker. Further down at the lake he then saw the attacked children lying on the ground.
charge of attempted murder
Prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis emphasized that the investigation into the suspicion of attempted murder is only just beginning, and the motive is still unclear. But she also said: “Currently we have no indications that would indicate a terrorist motive.” Media had previously reported that the attacker had a cross and a prayer book with him when he was arrested. He is said to have shouted “In the name of Jesus Christ” before the attack. Prosecutor Bonnet-Mathis said of the attacker’s profile: “It’s far too early today to say anything about it.”
What is known, however, is that the perpetrator has only been in France for a few months. The Syrian had previously lived in Sweden for years, said Borne. In France he was without a permanent residence. For the European security authorities, the man is unknown, there is nothing about him. There is also no evidence of psychiatric treatment in the past. According to media reports, the man in Sweden is said to have been married to a woman and have a three-year-old child – he and his wife recently separated.
Four children injured
In the attack, the perpetrator seriously injured four children aged 22 months to 3 years and two adults. Two of the children were on a holiday trip and are from the UK and the Netherlands. According to media reports, the other two are French siblings. “Today is the time of emotion,” said Prime Minister Borne. She traveled to Annecy to express the nation’s full solidarity and support. “When it hits children, I think we’re all hit deep down.”
Source: Nachrichten
