Knife Rampage in Marseille Injures 5; Suspect Dead

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

MARSEILLE, FRANCE (Worthy News) – A stabbing rampage in southern France’s c
ity of Marseille injured at least five people before police fatally shot the attacker, authorities said.

The man, a Tunisian national with legal residency, launched the attack Tuesday afternoon local time after being evicted from a hotel for nonpayment of rent, according to investigators.

He was reportedly armed with two knives and a baton.

Prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said the assailant first attacked someone in his former hotel room, then stabbed the hotel manager and the manager’s son before continuing to a nearby snack bar and into the streets, where he attempted random attacks on passers-by.

Police “neutralized” him after he refused to drop his weapons, officials said, adding that the investigation is in its early stages and the motive remains unknown.

However the attack was due to to highten tensions over massive migration from mainly Islamic nations in France.

The public prosecutor did not yet connect the incident to broader social or political strife.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited Marseille as the port city has grappled with gang violence and drug-related crime.

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