Paris: Knife-Wielding Man Shot By Police at Arc De Triomphe

Updated: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 7:22 [IST]

The attack took place under the arch on Friday evening

A knife-wielding man was shot by police at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Friday evening after he tried to attack an officer, police said.

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On Friday evening in Paris, a man wielding a knife attempted to attack a police officer at the Arc de Triomphe, resulting in the officer shooting the man, who was then hospitalized; France's anti-terrorism prosecutor is investigating the case.

The attack took place during the ceremony to rekindle the flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier located directly under the arch.

Police said the man was shot several times and taken to the hospital in critical condition. One of the officers was slightly injured before another officer opened fire to subdue the attacker.

The Napoleon-era monument is one of Paris' most popular sites, located at the head of the busy Champs-Elysees avenue.

The flame is lit every day during a ceremony

Anti-terror prosecutor to investigate

The suspect was registered as a resident of the northern Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis and was known to authorities, a source close to the case told AFP news agency.

France'snational anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said it was taking charge of the case and had opened an investigation. It was not immediately clear why the anti-terrorism office took up the case so quickly.

Police have not yet released details of the suspect's identity or possible motive.

Source: DW