Syringe Maniacs Attack 145 at French Music Festival
On what should have been a carefree night of music and celebration, something sinister was brewing in the crowd. By the time the music faded, more than 140 people had reported the same terrifying experience — a sudden, sharp sting followed by dizziness or worse. The unsettling reports sent shockwaves across France and left festivalgoers rattled.
Reports Emerge Nationwide
The incidents occurred on June 21 during France's annual Fête de la Musique, a nationwide street music festival drawing millions.
While the largest cluster of attacks was reported in the northeastern city of Metz, similar cases surfaced in Paris, Angoulême, Tours, Évreux, and Rouen. In total, 145 individuals — many of them women and children — reported being pricked with what they believed were syringes while enjoying the festivities.
Victims described symptoms ranging from hot flushes and dizziness to visible bruises and even loss of consciousness. Some were treated at the scene, while others were hospitalized and underwent toxicology tests.
Arrests and Investigations
Police have arrested 14 people across the country, according to ABC News, with two suspects apprehended in Metz. One was identified by a victim; another was allegedly caught with a syringe.
No drugs or paraphernalia have been publicly confirmed, and authorities have yet to determine if any substances were injected during the attacks.
In Metz, officials responded swiftly. Firefighters created a triage area at Place d'Armes, a central square in Metz, and law enforcement utilized video footage to track suspects.
The mayor emphasized ongoing efforts to identify other perpetrators through analysis of seized devices.
A Terrifying Trend Returns
This isn't the first time syringe attacks have plagued French nightlife. In 2022, hundreds of similar complaints were filed nationwide, many involving claims of needle spiking at concerts and clubs. Though these earlier cases rarely resulted in confirmed drugging, the panic they caused was undeniable — and the re-emergence of this trend has reignited those fears.
Adding to public anxiety, a feminist influencer warned prior to the event that women were being targeted, citing anonymous online threats, as reported by ABC News.
While authorities haven't confirmed any connection to those warnings, the timing has drawn scrutiny.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
With summer music festivals continuing across France, police are encouraging the public to remain alert. Victims who experience symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention and report any suspicious activity. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as investigations proceed.
At this point, the motive remains unclear. While no formal link to organized drugging or assault has been made, the scale and coordination of the attacks have raised serious concerns. Law enforcement and public health officials are now facing pressure to ensure festival safety going forward.
References: More Than a Dozen Young Women Hospitalized Following Syringe Attack at Popular Music Festival | Arrests in France after scores report being attacked with syringes at street music festival | 145 people reportedly 'pricked' in syringe attack at music festival in France
