What was meant to be a night of nationwide celebration quickly descended into chaos during France’s annual Fête de la Musique as at least 145 individuals reported being pricked with syringes across the country. The disturbing incidents have sparked fear and confusion, with Paris police confirming 24 such cases in the capital alone.
Visuals from the event flooded social media, showing crowds in distress. One user described the experience as a “Nightmare in #France”, while another added, “What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into total mayhem.”
Victims Include Minors and Women
Among the victims are 23 women and a 15-year-old girl, all of whom filed police complaints after being pricked in different parts of Paris. The attacks involved needle spiking, where assailants inject unknown substances, typically into arms, legs, or buttocks—with fears that date-rape drugs like Rohypnol or GHB may have been used. These substances can disorient or render victims unconscious, raising serious safety concerns.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Nightmare in #France
Needle attacks spark panic at Music Festival
France’s annual Fête de la Musique turned into public safety scare after 145 people, mostly women reported being pricked with syringes during celebrations across the country
The bizarre attacks were reported in… pic.twitter.com/mbxowA35uO
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) June 24, 2025
Arrests and Suspects
So far, 12 individuals have been arrested, though many suspected attackers remain at large. In Montpellier, a Bangladeshi migrant with a standing deportation order was apprehended after allegedly injecting a young woman. Authorities recovered an empty syringe from his possession.
In Paris, a 36-year-old autistic man was also taken into custody after allegedly jabbing a woman with a syringe, reported Le Parisien.
Nationwide Law Enforcement Response
Beyond the needle attacks, the French Interior Ministry confirmed that 371 people were arrested across France on Saturday night for various disturbances, nearly 90 in Paris alone.
Despite the arrests, authorities continue to investigate whether the syringes contained harmful drugs and are urging citizens to remain vigilant.
