A parish employee was violently attacked after enforcing security rules near the historic church.
A 56‑year‑old sacristan of église de la Madeleine in Paris was assaulted on November 18, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., after intervening when a couple crossed into a restricted area to take photographs. According to police reports, the man strangled the sacristan and threw him to the ground, causing injuries to his neck and lower back.
Witnesses stated that “the couple continued their photo session while the victim lay on the ground,” highlighting disregard for the sanctity of the site. Authorities reported that the suspect, described as “of African type,” eventually fled with the woman accompanying him, and an investigation was opened to locate them.