During this year's Music Festival in France until 145 people reported being pierced with syringes in the crowd. Police have detained several people, and the matter raises great emotions and questions about security at mass events.
What happened at Music Day?
Music Day is an annual event that attracts millions of people to the streets of French cities. This year's joyful atmosphere was disrupted by the series attacks with syringes. Applications came from all over the country, and most cases were reported in Paris, Metz and Angoulême.
Incident course
145 people reported needle or syringe puncture.
The most victims were women and teenagers, although reports were also submitted by men.
Some of the victims went to the hospital for tox screens..
Police detained 12–14 suspects aged 19–44.
In Paris alone, at least 13 cases were reported, in Metz – about 15.
There are not many 145 cases of needle pricks during French Music Festival. French white teens were the most likely victims.
For now, it is not known if the needles were infected, although some people after the sting landed in the hospital.
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, the attacks may have been inspired by social media entries that directly called for female stings during the festival. The police and the D.A. are investigating, and the case is being taken very seriously.
At the Fête de la Musique Music Festival in Paris, about 145 people were stabbed with needles, mostly white women reported this, it is not yet known if the needles were stuck with something. Twelve people were detained. The same situation occurred in 2022.
This question concerns both victims and public opinion. At this point, there would not be any drug in the syringes such as GHB or Rohypnol, or so-called "rape pills". Toxicology studies are ongoing, and preliminary results show no life-threatening outcome in either individual.. Some of the victims reported unwell, which further fueled anxiety. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that all victims be tested for the presence of viruses (HIV, hepatitis B and C) and that their health be monitored for several weeks. Experts stress that the risk of infection in such situations is low but cannot be completely excluded.
Information from France 24:
French police detained 12 suspects after 145 people reported being injected with syringes during the annual #FeteDeLaMusique. Posts on social media called for attacking women during the ceremony.
🇫🇷 French police have detained 12 offers after 145 people reported being pricked with syringes during the official #FeteDeLaMusique.
💉 Posts on social media had called for women to be targeted during the festivals. pic.twitter.com/tAIhD5Kwmf
The scale of the phenomenon – is that a new problem?
Although this year's incidents have caused a huge stir, similar cases have already been reported, not only in France, but also in the UK, Spain and Belgium.. In 2022, the media reported a wave of so-called "needle spiking", i.e. attacks involving needle pricking in the crowd, often without a clear motive. Media suggests that the motive may be fear or panic.
Detention and investigation
Several people suspected of participating in the attacks were detained. Among them were both young men and women.
Police are investigating whether the perpetrators acted individually or it was an organized action inspired by social media.
How do you protect yourself from attacking a syringe?
Here are some practical tips for participants of mass events:
Keep alert in the crowd, especially near strangers.
Avoid being alone in crowded places.
If you feel pricked or suddenly feel unwell, report immediately to order or medical services.
Keep your friends informed of your position and respond to warning signals.
