Syringe Attacks at French Music Festival Leave Over 140 Pricked
Over the weekend, a shocking incident marred the “Festival of Music” in France, where 145 attendees reported being pricked with syringes. This alarming situation has led to the arrest of several suspects as investigations continue.
Incident Overview
According to ABC News, the incidents occurred on June 21 during the nationwide celebration of music. Victims reported feeling sudden pricks in their arms or backs, followed by severe symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, and hot flashes. Many individuals also noticed bruises and marks on their bodies.
Victims’ Experiences
Most victims were unable to identify their attackers due to the suddenness of the incidents. Medical personnel on-site treated many of the affected individuals, while others were transported to hospitals for further evaluation. At these facilities, victims provided saliva, blood, and urine samples for toxicology tests, but as of now, no confirmed traces of substances have been detected.
Police Investigation
French law enforcement has taken swift action, detaining 14 suspects who are believed to have connections to the syringe attacks. The police are actively working to piece together the events and identify any additional individuals involved.
Related Events
During the same weekend, the popular rock and metal festival Hellfest was held in Clisson, France. However, it remains unclear if any syringe-related incidents occurred at this separate venue.
Warnings Prior to the Festival
Influencer’s Alert on Social Media
In the lead-up to the Festival of Music, a French influencer named Abrège Soeur issued a warning on TikTok regarding potential syringe attacks targeting women. She highlighted a concerning trend on social media, although the specifics of the posts and their origin remain ambiguous.
In her video, she mentioned, “Men plan to attack and stab women at the Fête de la Musique on June 21st.” To assist those who might feel threatened, she proposed a code word related to the fashion brand H&M. She suggested that if someone felt unsafe, they could approach another person and ask, “Where’s your top from?” If the response was “H&M,” it indicated that help was needed.
Historical Context of Syringe Attacks in France
The syringe attacks are not a new occurrence in France. The Guardian reported similar incidents in 2022, which raised concerns and prompted the French government to advise citizens to remain vigilant during nighttime outings. Several complaints came from women attending the Fête de la Musique that year, highlighting a pattern of troubling behavior.
Conclusion
The recent incidents at the Festival of Music have sparked fear and concern among festival-goers and the wider public. As investigations unfold, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of attendees and prevent further incidents. The community’s response, along with social media warnings, underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures in public spaces.
FAQs
What happened at the Festival of Music in France?
Over 140 attendees reported being pricked with syringes during the festival, leading to several hospitalizations and an ongoing police investigation.
How are the victims being treated?
Victims were treated either on-site by medics or taken to local hospitals, where they provided samples for testing.
Have any substances been found in the victims’ samples?
As of now, no confirmed traces of substances have been detected in any of the samples taken from the victims.
What precautions were suggested prior to the festival?
A French influencer warned about potential syringe attacks and proposed a code word related to H&M to help individuals seek assistance if they felt threatened.
Is this the first time such incidents have occurred in France?
No, there were reports of similar syringe attacks in France in 2022, prompting government warnings for public vigilance.
