Police Fatally Shoot Knife-Wielding Man in Saint-Étienne After Hostage Threat
The suspect, who had a history of mental health issues, was killed after threatening passersby and holding a woman at knifepoint near the city's Christmas market.
- A 31-year-old man armed with knives was shot and killed by a municipal police officer in Saint-Étienne after threatening pedestrians and taking a woman hostage on Tuesday evening.
- The suspect had entered a store earlier, claiming he intended to cause harm at the Christmas market, but authorities confirmed no terrorist motive was involved.
- The man, who had a history of violent offenses and was recently released from prison, was reportedly experiencing a severe psychiatric crisis at the time of the incident.
- The hostage, an elderly woman, sustained minor injuries, while no other passersby were harmed during the event.
- Two investigations have been launched: one into the suspect's actions and another into the police officer's use of lethal force, which preliminary findings suggest was in legitimate defense.
Le Figaro 
Sud Ouest 
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