France’s annual Fête de la Musique also known as World Music Day turned into a wave of public alarm as 145 people reported being stabbed with syringes. Find out more in the article below.
Victims Include Teen Girls; Hospitalizations Reported
Authorities revealed that among the victims were teenage girls, with ages ranging from 14 to 20. Many reported feeling a sharp prick before experiencing illness—some required hospitalization for toxicology tests . In La Rochelle alone, more than a dozen young women were hospitalized after syringe incidents at multiple sites such as Rue du Palais and Place Saint-Jacques.
12 Arrests Made; Motive Under Investigation
France’s Interior Ministry confirmed 12 suspects have been detained. In Angoulême, police arrested four individuals linked to roughly 50 attacks. In Metz, a 20-year-old man—known to police—was apprehended after CCTV evidence and victim identification. Many of the alleged victims are believed to be under 18. Authorities are also examining social media posts that reportedly urged targeting of women at the festival.
Contents of Syringes Still Unknown
While there is suspicion that date-rape drugs like GHB or Rohypnol might have been used, this hasn’t been confirmed. Medical professionals caution that some implements seized were not actual syringes but sewing needles or improvised tools—reducing likelihood they delivered drugs. Toxicology results remain pending as officials analyze whether victims were actually injected or merely pricked.
Echoes of Previous Syringe Panics
These attacks revive fears from 2022, when similar “needle spiking” incidents at festivals and clubs prompted national warnings. In recent years, hundreds of reports emerged across France and other countries, many without confirmable drug injection. The Attorney General has warned that absence of toxic substance in tests doesn’t necessarily rule out injection, as sampling may have occurred too late.
Broader Disturbance at the Festival
Beyond syringe attacks, police arrested over 370 people across France for varied offenses during the weekend-long event. Fourteen serious injuries were reported, including a 17-year-old hospitalized with abdominal stab wounds, and 13 police officers were injured while ensuring crowd control. The violence punctured what is typically a family-friendly celebration.
Authorities Intensify Security Measures
In response, law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols, surveillance, and forensic efforts for upcoming summer events. Investigators are examining victims’ hospital tests and suspects’ phones. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has pledged a “vigorous response” and urged victims to come forward promptly .
A Warning for Festival‑Goers
The syringe incidents serve as a stark reminder: even inclusive, joyous gatherings can foster danger. Festival‑goers are urged to stay aware, travel in groups, seek help if feeling ill after unexplained pricks, and report incidents immediately—both to police and medical staff. As toxicology results await confirmation, the psychological impact alone warns of deep societal unease.
In Summary
Fête de la Musique 2025 was tarnished by 145 syringe‑stab reports, involving mainly young women, over a dozen hospitalizations, and 12 arrests. Questions linger about syringe contents and attackers’ motives, but authorities are mobilizing intensified security ahead of the busy summer schedule. The unsettling wave of needle incidents—notably unsettling in a beloved festival—underscores the need for vigilance, swift reporting, and preventive safety at public events.
