Knife-wielding man shot dead by police after brutal Marseille rampage
A knife and iron bar-wielding attacker was shot dead by police in Marseille after a savage rampage left five people injured, including one in critical condition. The shocking assault took place around 2:45pm near Cours Belsunce, close to the Old Port, following the suspect’s eviction from a local hotel for unpaid rent.
Hotel horror: Victims stabbed inside and out
Public prosecutor Nicolas Bessone revealed the suspect, a Tunisian national legally residing in France, first returned to his former hotel. There, he plunged a knife into the new occupant of his old room, who remains in critical condition. The attacker then stabbed the hotel manager and his son before rampaging into the street, targeting more victims and even trying to stab customers at a nearby bistro.
Police response and attacker’s death
Shocking footage shows the assailant shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he lunged at officers brandishing two large butcher knives. Police initially tried to use a stun gun but were forced to shoot. He was rushed to hospital but died shortly after at 3:26pm.
Five victims injured in stabbing spree
- Hotel guest in critical condition
- Hotel manager and his son seriously wounded but stable
- Two others attacked in the street
All victims received emergency treatment for stab wounds. French authorities confirmed the suspect was known to territorial intelligence but was not flagged for radicalisation in the national database.
Tightened security and ongoing investigations
Police and firefighters swiftly sealed off the area, suspending local public transport and setting up a security cordon. Forensic teams conducted detailed investigations as bodies were shielded from the public eye. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to visit Marseille’s police headquarters this evening. Separate probes have been launched into “attempted voluntary homicide” and “attempted voluntary homicide of police officers.”
