In a shocking incident at a French music festival, over 140 individuals were reportedly attacked with syringes during the festivities over the weekend. Authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with these alarming events, raising serious concerns about public safety at such large gatherings.

As reported by ABC News, a total of 145 festival-goers claimed to have experienced a sudden “prick” during the celebrated Festival of Music on June 21, which takes place across various towns and cities in France. Victims indicated that they were targeted in multiple locations, including major urban centers like Paris, Metz, and Normandy.

Although most victims were unable to identify their assailants, many described a sharp sensation in their arms or backs, followed by severe symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, and intense hot flashes. Such experiences indicate a potential health crisis that needs urgent attention from medical professionals.

Some victims also reported visible marks and bruises on their bodies, which raises further questions about the methods employed in these attacks. Medical teams at the festival provided immediate care, while others were transferred to hospitals where they underwent tests, offering saliva, blood, and urine samples to identify any substances that could have been injected. Currently, no confirmed traces of harmful substances have been detected in any of the samples collected.

The French police have apprehended 14 individuals as potential suspects linked to these syringe attacks, indicating a serious crackdown on this troubling situation.

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During the same weekend, another major event, the rock and metal festival Hellfest, was held in the town of Clisson, though it remains unclear whether any attacks occurred at that location.

French Influencer Issues Urgent Warning About Syringe Attacks Before Festival

Prior to the festival, a notable French influencer named Abrège Soeur took to TikTok to alert the public about potential syringe attacks. She cited social media posts warning that women could be specifically targeted, as reported by NBC News. However, the origins and specifics of these posts remain ambiguous.

In her TikTok video, she warned, “Men plan to attack and stab women at the Fête de la Musique on June 21st,” underscoring the urgency of the situation [translated via Google Translate].

To enhance safety, she suggested a code word for individuals to use if they felt threatened or noticed someone in distress: the fashion brand H&M. Her advice was simple yet effective: “Approach the person and ask, ‘Where’s your top from?’ If they reply ‘H&M,’ it signals they need help… If you find yourself in danger, call out and ask, ‘Where’s your top from? H&M, right?'” This clever strategy highlights the community’s need for alertness and cooperation.

Previous Warnings About Syringe Attacks in France Raise Red Flags

As reported by The Guardian, this incident is not isolated; there were previous warnings regarding syringe attacks in France back in 2022. Numerous reports emerged concerning similar attacks in various public venues, prompting the French government to advise citizens to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime outings.

Many of the complaints received that year originated from women who attended the Fête de la Musique, underlining a persistent issue that requires proactive measures and heightened awareness.