Paris in Shock: Man Shot Dead by Police During Eternal Flame Ceremony at Iconic Landmark

 The city of Paris is reeling after a man was shot dead by police near the Arc de Triomphe on 13 February 2026, following an attempted attack with a knife during a public ceremony at one of France’s most iconic landmarks. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. GMT) as officers prepared to rekindle the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a weekly tribute to France’s war dead.

According to authorities, the assailant approached law enforcement with a bladed weapon and threatened a gendarme. In response, a second officer fired multiple shots, striking the suspect at least three times in the torso and legs. The man was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. No officers or bystanders were reported injured during the confrontation.

Officials confirmed that the attacker was previously known to security services and had a criminal record, including a stabbing attack targeting police in Belgium in 2012. Having served part of a lengthy prison sentence for terrorism-related offenses, he had been released under supervision late last year and remained under surveillance at the time of the Paris incident.

In the immediate aftermath, the area around the Arc de Triomphe, located atop the busy Champs-Élysées avenue, was secured by police. Nearby metro stations were temporarily closed, and a security perimeter was established as investigators from France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office took control of the case.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez commended the officers for their “exemplary courage and cool-headedness,” noting that their swift action prevented further danger to the public and law enforcement personnel. President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity with both the police and those present during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding public spaces.

The attack, occurring at a site of national remembrance, has prompted heightened security measures in Paris and renewed discussions on counterterrorism strategies, particularly regarding individuals previously convicted of violent offenses. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the attack while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the capital.

The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of ongoing security challenges in major public spaces and the critical role of rapid law enforcement response in preventing potential mass casualties.

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