A man armed with knives and an iron bar was shot dead by police in Marseille after going on a violent rampage that left at least five people injured, including one in critical condition.
The attack unfolded around 2:45pm local time near Cours Belsunce, close to the Old Port, after the suspect was reportedly evicted from a local hotel for failing to pay his rent.
Victims targeted in hotel and street
According to public prosecutor Nicolas Bessone, the suspect — a Tunisian national and legal resident in France — first returned to his former hotel, stabbing the new occupant of his old room. The victim remains in “a state of absolute emergency.”
The man then allegedly stabbed the hotel manager and the manager’s son, before continuing into the street where he attacked more people and attempted to stab customers in a nearby bistro.
Police response
Footage from the scene showed the attacker shouting “Allahu Akbar” while advancing towards officers with two large butcher knives. Witnesses reported police initially tried to subdue him with a stun gun before shooting.
He was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after 3.26pm.
Casualties and investigation
Five people were confirmed injured, including:
- A hotel guest (critical condition)
- The hotel manager and his son (serious but stable)
- Two others assaulted in the street
All victims were treated for stab wounds by emergency services.
French media reported the suspect was known to territorial intelligence but not flagged in the national database for radicalisation.
Security measures
Police and firefighters quickly secured the area, suspending local public transport and setting up a security perimeter around the scene. Investigators covered bodies with umbrellas while forensic work was carried out.
Interior minister Bruno Retailleau is due to visit Marseille police headquarters this evening. Separate investigations have been opened into “attempted voluntary homicide” and “attempted voluntary homicide of police officers.”
