The man who injured three people in a stabbing at Gare de Lyon in Paris on Saturday morning may have mental health issues, police said.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the unnamed 31-year-old suspect, who was carrying a residence permit from Italy and medication indicating he was undergoing treatment, said: “This person appears to be suffering from a mental illness.” ” he said.
The man, whose nationality has not been disclosed, was also armed with a knife and hammer when he injured three people at the station.
Nuñez added that the attack, which occurred around 7:35 a.m. local time, “doesn’t lead us to believe that this could be an act of terrorism.”
Police said one victim suffered serious injuries that required surgery, and the other two suffered minor injuries.
The fourth person was in a state of shock, which could also be considered an injury, Nuñez said.
Passersby at the crowded station helped police detain the suspect at the scene.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said the investigation was considering possible preliminary charges of attempted murder.
The attack occurred just six months before the 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled for July 26 to August 11 in Paris.
Nunez is spearheading a massive security operation around the tournament, which will welcome 10,500 athletes and millions of visitors.
The French capital is not immune to security concerns, especially following a series of terrorist attacks in 2015 that killed a total of 147 people.
Most recently, a suspect targeted passersby at the Eiffel Tower, killing a German-Filipino tourist with a knife and injuring two others.
with post wire
