Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man at Gare Montparnasse in Paris

On November 14, 2025, a tense incident unfolded at Gare Montparnasse in Paris involving a 44-year-old man armed with a knife. The individual, known for domestic violence and wanted for threatening to kill his wife and children, arrived by a Ouigo train from Rennes. Upon arrival, he threatened to harm himself by placing a knife under his throat and attempted to assault passengers.

Police responded swiftly to the escalating threat. As the man brandished the knife and appeared to pose serious danger, officers fired twice, aiming at his legs to neutralize the threat, injuring him severely. Emergency responders treated the suspect and a woman nearby who sustained a minor foot injury during the incident. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed at least one gunshot was fired and that both injured individuals are not in life-threatening conditions.

The event led to the partial evacuation of Gare Montparnasse and closure of platforms 1 to 9 for public safety while a security perimeter was established. This caused some disruptions in rail traffic, although services began resuming later. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with a strong police and military presence. One eyewitness recounted the suspect being subdued before the shots were fired.

Authorities continue investigating the incident, which drew immediate emergency services including firefighters and police units. The suspect, originally from Wallis-et-Futuna, has a documented history of domestic violence, which contextualizes his earlier threats to his family.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced in securing major transit hubs against unpredictable violent acts. The swift coordinated response by law enforcement prevented greater harm to the public.