One dead and police hurt in knife attack in France

A knife attack in Mulhouse, a city in eastern France, has resulted in the death of one person and the injury of three police officers. The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian man, was arrested at the scene after reportedly shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is great"). As a result, a terrorism investigation has been launched.

Two police officers were seriously injured, one suffering a neck wound and the other a chest wound. A 69-year-old Portuguese man, who attempted to intervene, was fatally stabbed.

The suspect, who was on a terrorism watch list, had been subject to a deportation order. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed there was "no doubt it was an Islamist terrorist attack."

After offering his condolences to the victim's family, President Macron emphasized his commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating, "I want to reiterate the determination of the government, and mine, to continue the work to eradicate terrorism on our soil."

The attack occurred around 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Saturday near a busy market in Mulhouse, located near the borders of Germany and Switzerland. The police officers involved were on patrol during a demonstration in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cemalettin Canak, 55, who has lived in France for 41 years, shared his shock with Reuters: "I have never experienced something like this. It has shocked me a lot. Now, when I go to the market, I will be a little nervous."

Of the two officers hospitalized, the one with a chest injury was later discharged, according to prosecutors who spoke with AFP. Three other officers sustained minor injuries.

Mulhouse Mayor Michele Lutz expressed her shock, writing on Facebook, "Horror has seized our city."

French Prime Minister François Bayrou shared his condolences on X, stating, "Fanaticism has struck again, and we are in mourning." He added, "My thoughts naturally go to the victims and their families, with the firm hope that the injured will recover."

During a visit to the scene on Saturday evening, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told TF1 that France had attempted to deport the suspect 10 times, but each time Algeria had refused to accept him. He called for a new "balance of power" with Algeria and stated, "We must change the rules" regarding detention centers.

Retailleau also revealed that the suspect was found to have a "schizophrenic profile" following his arrest.

Additional reporting by Tom Bennett and Rorey Bosotti.