Three Women Injured in Stabbing Attacks on Paris Metro Line 3, Suspect Apprehended

A man stabbed three women on Paris Metro Line 3 stations, resulting in minor injuries; he was arrested hours later.

    Key details

  • • Three women stabbed in Paris Metro Line 3 at République, Arts et Métiers, and Opéra stations.
  • • Victims suffered superficial injuries, including leg and back wounds.
  • • The assailant, known to police, was arrested at his Sarcelles home hours after the attacks.
  • • Authorities deployed extra security and victim assistance units on the metro line.

On the afternoon of December 26, 2025, a series of stabbing attacks targeted women in several stations on Line 3 of the Paris metro, notably République, Arts et Métiers, and Opéra. Between 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM, a man armed with a knife assaulted three women, resulting in superficial injuries. One victim was wounded in the leg, another in the back, and all have been reported as sustaining only minor harm.

The assailant, described as a slim man of African descent wearing a khaki coat, fled the scene via Metro Line 8 but was subsequently apprehended at his residence in Sarcelles a few hours later. Born in 2000, the suspect was already known to the police for various offenses, including theft and other property crimes, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. Authorities currently do not prioritize a terrorist motive in the case.

In response to the attacks, the RATP, the Paris public transport operator, deployed enhanced security teams along the affected metro line and activated its victim assistance unit to support those involved. The rapid police intervention and community support underline the city's commitment to public safety amid these troubling events.

This incident has heightened public concern over safety within Paris's public transportation system, especially given the central locations of the attacks. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the suspect's arrest and is continuing investigations to determine further motives and details.

As the situation develops, authorities maintain a vigilant presence on the metro to prevent further violence and reassure commuters navigating the city's transit network.

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