Multiple syringe attacks marred France’s annual Fête de la Musique celebration on June 21, 2025, leading to numerous hospitalizations and widespread concern across the country. Officials have confirmed reports of over 145 people being pricked by syringes during the nationwide public music festival.
While incidents were reported in various locations, a significant focus emerged from attacks during events like those in Metz and La Rochelle.
Victims and Hospitalizations
More than a dozen young women were specifically hospitalized following attacks at a popular music festival event on the evening of June 21. Victims in locations like Rue du Palais in La Rochelle and sites such as Place de la République and Place Saint-Jacques in Metz included girls and women aged between 14 and 20.
Emergency responders provided immediate assistance at the scene, creating gathering points for victims before they were transported to local hospitals for care and further medical examination, including toxicological tests.
Investigation and Arrests
French police have actively investigated the disturbing incidents, resulting in the detention of at least 12 suspects across France in connection with the syringe attacks.
In Metz, one male suspect was arrested around 9:15 p.m. local time after being identified by a victim. Authorities used security footage to locate and apprehend the individual. He was later handed over to national police and the justice department. While no syringes were reportedly found on the suspect, local officials expressed hope that analyzing his cell phone would aid in identifying any potential accomplices. Separately, reports mentioned four suspects in Angouleme believed to have targeted approximately 50 victims.
Prosecutors in Paris also launched investigations following reports from three individuals, including a teenager, who were pricked and subsequently felt unwell.
Unknown Substances and Past Concerns
A critical question surrounding the attacks is the nature of the substance, if any, contained within the syringes. There are concerns that the implements might have been laced with substances like date-rape drugs such as GHB or Rohypnol. However, authorities are awaiting toxicological test results and have not yet confirmed whether these incidents constitute “needle spiking” with incapacitating substances. The specific items used in the attacks remain unidentified.
These incidents echo a similar, notable surge in unexplained needle pricking reports in France during 2022, primarily occurring in nightlife venues and at concerts. From January to June 2022, over 1,000 formal complaints were filed. Despite many victims, predominantly women, reporting visible injection marks and symptoms like feeling groggy, medical tests in cases that led to charges often did not detect harmful substances like GHB. Authorities at that time struggled to determine a clear motive for the 2022 attacks.
Adding to the context, a French feminist influencer reportedly issued a social media warning prior to the 2025 festival, claiming there were online calls for women to be targeted with syringes.
Broader Festival Context
Millions participated in the free Fête de la Musique across France. Beyond the syringe attacks, authorities reported numerous other incidents. Over 370 individuals were detained for various offenses nationwide. Reports also indicated that 14 attendees sustained serious injuries during the events, including a teenager with stab wounds, and 13 law enforcement officers were injured. Despite the scale of reported attacks, the Paris police chief was quoted as stating that “no major incident has been reported” in the capital’s events. Separately, during the events in Metz, local officials reported arresting an individual for assaulting a young girl, managing several brawls, and even rescuing a dog found locked in a car.
Investigations into the syringe attacks remain ongoing as police work to determine the full scope, motive, and substances involved in this disturbing series of events.
