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12 Arrested After 145 People Pricked With Syringes at Fête de la Musique

The interior ministry has opened a nationwide probe into syringe attacks after festivalgoers reported needle pricks that led to hospital toxicology tests.

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Thousands of people gather at the Chatelet district and on the banks of the Seine to celebrate Fete De La Musique 2025 as bands and DJ's play across Paris, France on June 21, 2025. (Photo by Luc Auffret/Anadolu via Getty Images)
People attend France's annual street music festival, the Fete de la Musique, on the Seine river banks in Paris on June 21, 2025.
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Overview

  • Attacks began at around 9:15 p.m. on June 21 at Fête de la Musique events in Paris, Metz, Angoulême and other cities.
  • Police have detained 12 suspects, including four in Angoulême believed to have targeted about 50 victims, as inquiries continue.
  • At least three people reported feeling unwell after being pricked, prompting toxicology tests as officials investigate possible date-rape drugs.
  • Millions turned out for World Music Day, with unprecedented crowds in Paris placing heavy demands on security forces.
  • Officers also handled over 370 detentions on various charges and treated 14 serious injuries among attendees along with 13 injured law enforcement members.