Syringe Attack Epidemic Strikes France's Fête de la Musique with 145 Victims
A series of syringe attacks during the Fête de la Musique festival in France has left 145 injured and 12 arrested as investigations continue.
Key Points
- • 145 concertgoers, mostly teenage girls, reported syringe attacks during Fête de la Musique.
- • 12 suspects have been arrested amid concerns over potential drug use.
- • Emergency services responded quickly, treating numerous victims and creating staging areas.
- • Investigations are ongoing to identify substances in the syringes used in attacks.
In a shocking turn of events during the 2025 Fête de la Musique, a beloved annual music festival in France, a series of syringe stabbing incidents left 145 concertgoers claiming to have been attacked. The incidents predominantly affected teenage girls, leading to widespread panic and urgent investigations by law enforcement. As of June 23, 2025, twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with the attacks amid ongoing concerns about potential drug use linked to the syringes used in these assaults.
The situation first unfolded on June 21 at approximately 9:15 p.m. in Metz, where the first victim reported being jabbed. The rapid response of local authorities, aided by security footage, resulted in the quick arrest of a suspect. Mayor François Grosdidie noted, "Our municipal police acted promptly, transferring the individual to the National Police and the Justice Department for further inquiry." Local firefighters were also deployed, mobilizing seven emergency vehicles to assist with overwhelmed medical needs as festival-goers began reporting feeling unwell.
The scale of the festival was unprecedented, with approximately 50,000 attendees in Metz alone and millions gathered in cities across France. Reports indicated that while the Interior Ministry confirmed 145 victims, inquiries into the nature of the substance used in the syringes remain inconclusive, leading to fears that they could potentially contain date-rape drugs. Investigations are particularly focused on identifying the substances involved, as many individuals reported adverse health effects alongside their claims of being pricked.
In Paris, a series of similar attacks prompted local police to caution attendees after 14 individuals sustained serious injuries, one requiring hospitalization due to the assault. Reportedly, police detained over 370 people for various offenses during the festival, including nearly 90 arrests in Paris alone. Despite the unrest, Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez stated, "No major incident has been reported," emphasizing ongoing safety efforts during this chaotic time.
The festival, traditionally celebrated for its music and community spirit, has now seen its joy overshadowed by this unprecedented public safety crisis. Authorities are ramping up security measures and continuing to investigate the incidents to ensure a safer environment for all involved in future celebrations.