Paris Metro Incident: Woman In Hijab Shot By Police, Condition Critical

During rush hour at Paris's Bibliothèque François-Miterrand Metro station, French police officers shot an unarmed lady wearing an Islamic veil while she screamed 'Allahu Akbar' and threatened to blow herself up. The incident, which was widely reported by the Daily Mail, sent shockwaves throughout the city and sparked fear about public safety and terrorism.

The incident at the Bibliotheque François-Mitterrand station unfolded when the unidentified woman's behaviour raised alarm among commuters. She was heard making aggressive statements and cries of "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) and "You're all going to die." These threatening remarks naturally caught the attention of those present at the metro station, leading to concerns over public safety.

Approximately 50 minutes after the arrival of armed police at the station, the situation took a distressing turn. Police reported that they had to open fire as the woman did not respond to their warnings. Around 9:20 AM, the situation took a dire turn, leaving the police with no alternative but to open fire. She was promptly evacuated for medical attention.

Heightened Security Measures

Eyewitnesses reported that the woman was "completely veiled." After the incident, a sense of fear swept through Paris, leading to the acceleration of the Vigipirate anti-terrorist plan. 

Following the incident, the Bibliotheque François-Mitterrand station, which is part of the RER C line, was evacuated as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of commuters and the surrounding area. This incident has sparked concerns about the security of public transportation in France and the need for enhanced measures to protect commuters.

Two separate investigations were initiated in response to the incident. The first investigation is focused on the woman's actions, trying to understand the motives and circumstances surrounding her aggressive behaviour. The second inquiry is looking into the use of lethal force by the police, examining whether it was a necessary response given the potential danger posed.

Initial Sighting

The woman was initially spotted at the Villeneuve-le-Roi RER station, where she was "making worrying comments." Police subsequently tracked her to Paris, where she refused to comply with officers' orders and continued to threaten self-detonation. 

According to government spokesman Olivier Veran, "What happened then was that law enforcement officers had no option but to open fire on this woman given the danger of the situation." The woman sustained a gunshot wound to her abdomen and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Her condition remains critical, as reported by AFP.

Ongoing Security Concerns

France has been on high alert due to a series of security concerns. According to Reuters, there have been 70 bomb hoaxes in airports across France since October 18. These threats were often traced back to the same Swiss-based email address. Not only have there been hoax calls, but there have also been instances of violence, including the stabbing of a teacher in Arras by an Islamist former pupil. Dominique Bernard, 57, was repeatedly stabbed in the neck by a self-styled ISIS terrorist who also shouted 'Allahu Akbar.' The alleged attacker, 20-year-old Chechen refugee Mohamed Mogouchkov, is currently in custody.

Geo-Political Tensions

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin cited ongoing tensions related to the Hamas-Israel conflict in the Middle East as a contributing factor. This has resulted in France banning several pro-Palestinian rallies and authorities using tear gas and water cannons against those showing their support for the victims in Gaza.

This incident at the Bibliotheque François-Mitterrand station in Paris has raised significant concerns, given the recent history of terror-related incidents in France. The police response, while unfortunate, reflects the complex and challenging situations faced by law enforcement officers when assessing potential threats to public safety. 

Suggested reading: Iranian Teen Dies After Being In Coma Following Alleged Assault