Three Stabbings, Three Hours: How Paris Police Tracked Down a Metro Attacker

Panic struck the heart of Paris during the height of the holiday season. On December 26, 2025, French police arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of stabbing three women at different locations along the Paris metro system, bringing a swift end to a terrifying afternoon.

Terror on Line 3

According to the RATP transit authority, the attacks occurred between 16:15 and 16:45 at the Republique, Arts et Metiers, and Opera stations. All three victims were attacked along Line 3, a major route through central Paris. While the victims were rushed to the hospital with various injuries, authorities confirmed they're not in critical condition.

A High-Tech Manhunt

Investigators didn't waste a second. By leveraging surveillance-camera footage and mobile-tracking tools, prosecutors located the suspect in the Val d'Oise region north of the capital. The suspect was apprehended at 18:55, less than three hours after the first incident. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the rapid mobilization of the police services involved.

Maximum Vigilance in Europe

The stabbing comes at a time of "very high terrorist threat" across European capitals. Minister Nunez had already called for "maximum vigilance" last week, ordering a visible security presence at festive gatherings and on public transport. Back-up security teams have now been deployed to reinforce safety on Line 3 as the investigation into attempted homicide continues.