…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Knife Attack in French Alps Leaves Children Injured
A knife attack occurred in Annecy, France, where a 31-year-old Syrian man stabbed four children and two adults at a lakeside park.
Disturbingly, one of the victims is a three-year-old British girl who was on holiday in the area.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that the suspect had been denied asylum in France just days before the attack.
The refusal was due to the fact that he had previously been granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago.
Condition of the Victims and Tributes at the Park
The injured children were initially reported to be in critical condition, but Annecy Mayor François Astorg later stated that they were “stable” and out of the operating room.
The British girl was transported to a hospital in Grenoble, approximately an hour-and-a-half away by car.
The park where the attack took place became a site for tributes, with dozens of flowers, teddy bears, candles, and written messages left by mourners expressing support and love for the victims.
Suspect’s Immigration History and Motives
The Swedish Migration Agency confirmed that the suspect was granted permanent residency in Sweden in 2013.
However, his subsequent applications for Swedish citizenship in 2017 and 2018 were both denied.
He applied again for citizenship in August of the previous year.
French Interior Minister Darmanin stated that the suspect had entered France legally, even though he already had asylum in Sweden for the past decade.
Authorities have not determined the motives behind the attack, but it does not appear to be related to terrorism.
Graphic Footage and Witnesses’ Accounts
Videos shared online depict the attacker shouting “in the name of Jesus Christ” as he brandishes a knife.
He repeatedly stabs a child in a pushchair while onlookers scream for help.
The assailant’s motives remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Local prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis clarified that the attacker’s actions do not appear to be linked to terrorism.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of panic as the attacker targeted innocent victims, causing widespread fear and horror.
International Response and Support
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne emphasized that the victims are very young infants who have suffered serious injuries, expressing solidarity with the people of Annecy.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking alongside President Biden at a press conference, described the attack as “unfathomable” and extended sympathies to the affected families.
He stated that the UK stands ready to offer any assistance required.
The international community remains shocked by the brutal incident and stands united in supporting those affected.