Twelve suspects have been detained after 145 people were ‘pricked with syringes’ at an international music festival.
French police opened an investigation following reports the Fete de la Musique was infiltrated by attackers yesterday evening.
Before the party in Paris, which authorities reported as having ‘unprecedented crowds’ posts on social media had called for women to be targeted.
The interior ministry confirmed today 145 people reported being stabbed with needles after millions had taken to the streets to celebrate.
Paris police reported 13 cases in the capital.
Officials did not say whether these were cases of so-called needle spiking with date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB, used by attackers to render victims confused or unconscious and vulnerable to sexual assault.
‘Some victims were taken to hospital for toxicological tests,’ the ministry said.
In Paris, investigations were opened after three people including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old male, reported being stabbed in separate incidents across Paris, prosecutors said.
On 21 June, the day of the summer solstice, concerts are held to mark the beginning of the summer. Pictured: Fete de la Musique in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
In front of a late-night shop, a DJ plays for customers and friends. Always on June 21, the day of the summer solstice, concerts are held to mark the beginning of summer. Pictured: Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
Spectators listen to music during the 34th edition of the ‘Fete de la Musique’ music festival in Geneva, Switzerland, 22 June 2025
On the occasion of the Fete De La Musique in Berlin, many people are out and about on Oderberger Straße in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg in the evening
All three reported feeling unwell.
Across France, 12 suspects have been arrested. Among them were four people in the southwestern city of Angouleme suspected of having targeted around 50 victims, a police source said.
Apart from those suspects, more than 370 people were detained during the festival on various charges, including nearly 90 people in Paris.
Fourteen participants in the festivities were seriously injured, including a 17-year-old hospitalised after being found sitting on the street with stab wounds to the lower abdomen.
Thirteen members of law enforcement were also injured.
The prefect of the Paris police, Laurent Nunez, said that ‘no major incident has been reported’.
Organisers at the Fete de la Musique have been contacted for comment.
Footage circulating on social media also shows attendees in Paris partaking in aggressive behaviour on the streets amid the festivities.
People listen to the artist Giny Pinson during the 34th edition of the ‘Fete de la Musique’ music festival in Geneva, Switzerland, 22 June 2025
In one particularly shocking video, a man dressed in a blue T-shirt strikes a kick at a woman’s head before pulling another male to the ground.
The festival is an annual music celebration that takes place on June 21.
On Music Day – as it is known in English – citizens and residents are urged to play music outside in their neighborhoods or in public spaces and parks.
The occasion is now celebrated in 120 countries around the world.
Organiser Emmanuel Sémo said: ‘Over the past three years, this type of incident has unfortunately been on the rise in major cities, particularly in Paris, often amplified by viral TikTok challenges.
‘However, at our event, we take these risks very seriously and have implemented heightened vigilance measures to ensure everyone’s safety.
‘Ahead of the EF FESTIVAL or VERSO FESTIVAL, we issued preventive messages across our social media channels, sent information by email to attendees, and displayed dedicated signage on site.
‘Security checks were reinforced at the entrances, and patrols were increased throughout the venue to detect and prevent any suspicious behaviour.
‘This year, we had two suspected cases out of over 17,000 attendees. After investigation by emergency services, both were proven to be false alarms. While this represents an extremely low incident rate, safety remains an absolute priority for us. We also note that no intervention from law enforcement was required during the event.
‘The atmosphere remained positive, the audience was respectful and well-filtered at entry points; We’re proud of the secure and welcoming environment we created.’
