145 people have reported being stabbed with syringes during France’s annual Fête de la Musique event over the weekend, according to the country’s interior ministry (via RFI).
The annual event, held every June 21 to celebrate the Summer Solstice, transforms cities and towns across France into open-air music stages. But this year’s festivities were overshadowed by a disturbing wave of suspected syringe attacks.
Authorities are still investigating whether the incidents were linked to needle spiking — the practice of injecting victims with substances like GHB or Rohypnol without consent. In Paris alone, 13 cases were reported, including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man who both felt unwell after being pricked. “Some victims were taken to the hospital for toxicological tests,” the ministry noted.
Three of the Paris cases are now under active investigation. In total, 12 people have been arrested across France in connection with the syringe reports — four of them in Angoulême, where police say around 50 victims may have been targeted.
Despite the safety concerns, millions took to the streets, with authorities describing “unprecedented crowds” in the capital. Over 370 arrests were made nationwide for other offenses — nearly 90 in Paris alone. Fourteen people were injured during the event, including a 17-year-old found with abdominal stab wounds. Thirteen law enforcement officers were also reportedly hurt.