145 People—Mostly Young Women—Pricked by Syringes During Festival in Chilling Crowd Attacks

Paris, France — A popular music festival turned into a scene of fear and confusion after more than 140 people, most of them young women, reported being pricked with syringes in a wave of unsettling attacks across France.

The incidents happened during the Fête de la Musique, an annual summer street music festival celebrated on June 21. What began as a night of dancing and celebration in cities like Paris, Metz, Tours, Rouen, and Strasbourg quickly spiraled into mass panic after dozens of attendees said they felt sharp needle-like jabs while in the crowd.

In total, 145 reports of syringe attacks were filed, prompting a nationwide police investigation. Some of the victims described immediate burning or stinging sensations, followed by dizziness or nausea. Most of those targeted were teenage girls and young women, police said.

What makes the story even more chilling is that warnings had already begun circulating on social media in the days leading up to the event. Posts on platforms like Snapchat appeared to encourage syringe attacks specifically targeting women. Authorities now believe these online threats may have inspired the real-life violence.

Twelve suspects have been arrested so far, with several linked to incidents in Metz and Angoulême. Police say one man, captured on surveillance footage, appeared to jab at least 10 different people before being detained. Most of the suspects are young men in their twenties.

While early tests show that many of the syringes may have been empty, officials aren’t taking any chances. At least three victims became ill and were hospitalized, prompting toxicology screenings for substances like GHB and Rohypnol — often referred to as “date-rape drugs.” Results are still pending.

Experts say it’s unlikely attackers could inject a drug effectively into someone in a moving crowd using a small needle, but that hasn’t eased public fear. The psychological trauma of being targeted — especially in a space meant for joy and music — has left many shaken.

France has seen similar incidents in clubs and bars over the past few years, but this mass-scale festival attack is unprecedented. Officials are now calling for increased security at major events and a crackdown on those spreading violent content online.

For now, the investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone who attended the festival and experienced a prick or unusual symptoms to report it immediately.