'Islamist terror' knife attack in east France kills one, injures five, media says

French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack "an act of Islamist terrorism," in a statement after the incident.

 A French police officer of the anti-crime squad, Brigade Anti-Criminalite de nuit (BAC N 75) is seen during a night patrol in Paris on October 16, 2020 (photo credit: THOMAS COEX/AFP via GETTY IMAGES)
A French police officer of the anti-crime squad, Brigade Anti-Criminalite de nuit (BAC N 75) is seen during a night patrol in Paris on October 16, 2020
(photo credit: THOMAS COEX/AFP via GETTY IMAGES)

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday a knife attack that killed one and injured five in eastern France on Saturday was "Islamist terrorism," after France's anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed it was investigating the case.

A man attacked local police officers in the city of Mulhouse shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest") on Saturday afternoon, the PNAT prosecutor's office said in a statement.

A passer-by was killed trying to intervene, while five police officers were injured, the prosecutor's office added.

According to French media, one police officer was stabbed in the neck and another in the chest, and three other officers sustained minor injuries.

The suspect has been arrested, the prosecutor's office said.

France's President Emmanuel Macron holds a press conference at the 19th Summit of the Francophonie at the Grand Palais, Paris, Oct. 5, 2024.  (credit: Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images)
France's President Emmanuel Macron holds a press conference at the 19th Summit of the Francophonie at the Grand Palais, Paris, Oct. 5, 2024. (credit: Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images)

French leaders react

"It is without any doubt an act of Islamist terrorism," Macron told reporters on the sidelines of the annual French farm show, adding that Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was on his way to Mulhouse.

"Horror has seized our city," Mulhouse Mayor Michele Lutz wrote in a Facebook post. 

"Fanaticism has struck again, and we are in mourning," French Prime Minister François Bayrou posted on X/Twitter.

"My thoughts naturally go to the victims and their families, with the firm hope that the injured will recover," he added.