26-Year-Old Man Arrested After Hammer Attack on Paris Metro Line 3 Injures Two Passengers

On December 30, 2025, a 26-year-old Romanian man was arrested after assaulting passengers on Paris Metro Line 3 at Temple station, wielding a hammer during the attack. The assailant demanded a female passenger's belongings and struck her in the face when she refused, causing a minor injury to her eyebrow that resulted in an eight-day work incapacity. A 17-year-old male passenger was also attacked, though details of his injuries were not specified.

The incident follows a knife attack on the same metro line three days earlier, which left three women slightly injured. The suspect was intoxicated at the time, with a blood alcohol level of 0.40 mg per liter in exhaled air—over the legal driving limit. Upon police arrival, he discarded the hammer head and exited the train. He was later linked to a previous assault on a 17-year-old and has a history of legal troubles.

Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation for attempted murder. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) condemned the violence and activated victim support services, including psychological assistance for those affected.

This attack highlights ongoing security concerns on the Paris Metro system, especially given the recent violent incidents on the same line. Authorities continue to evaluate safety measures to protect passengers from such assaults.