Mass Syringe Attacks at France’s Summer Music Festival Leave Many Hospitalized

Paris — What started as a joyful night of music and celebration on June 21, the national Fête de la Musique, turned disturbing as revelers nationwide, especially women, reported being stabbed with syringes. Authorities say at least 145 people came forward with claims of being pricked, with many taken to hospitals for toxicology screenings.

Crowds across the country were on edge, with incidents ranging from Paris to La Rochelle. In the latter, several young women were hospitalized after attacks during local street music events. The Interior Ministry confirmed 13 incidents in Paris alone, while places like Angoulême saw multiple arrests tied to about 50 victims—part of a total of 12 suspects detained across France.

Organizers reportedly found alarming social media posts encouraging syringe attacks targeting women—triggering officials to treat the matter seriously. Some victims described panicked moments when they felt sudden needles pierce their skin amid the mass crowds.

Hospitalized individuals, particularly young women, underwent urgent testing to determine what substances had been injected, if any . Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but news of prison injuries among at least 14 festival-goers, including a 17-year-old, confirms the gravity of the assault wave .

Despite the chaos, French police noted there were no major riots and that authorities swiftly mobilized security forces to restore calm .

Why This Matters

The Fête de la Musique, typically a night of musical unity and public joy, instead spotlighted how digital calls to violence can turn celebratory events into scenes of fear. It also revives concerns over needle-related crimes seen in recent years across Europe. The cluster of arrests signals swift government action, but as toxicology results come in and suspects are questioned, the national debate widens to include questions of crowd safety, policing effectiveness, and online accountability.