On Saturday, police in central Paris shot and killed a man who went on a mass stabbing spree while he reportedly yelled “Allahu Akbar,” according to media reports.
The attack happened in a neighborhood near the Opera Garnier when a knife-wielding man attacked at least five people “killing one and wounding four, two seriously,” The New York Times reported.
The Associated Press reports that French officials have now opened a terrorism investigation into the stabbing attack.
Sky News added that France’s Interior Minister, Gerard Collomb, tweeted: “Aggression to #Paris: I salute the cold blood and responsiveness of the police forces that have neutralized the assailant. My first thoughts go to the victims of this heinous act.”
CBS News noted that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar,” a term that is commonly used during Islamic terrorist attacks.
Allegations that the suspect yelled “Allahu Akbar” were further substantiated by a report from The Independent:
A witness told The Independent the assailant was shouting “Allahu akbar” and trying to get into restaurants as diners barricaded the doors.