A suspected drug addict armed with a Swiss Army knife desecrated two churches near Paris, terrifying worshippers and resisting arrest.
On August 16, 2025, two churches in Seine-Saint-Denis-Sainte-Marthe in Pantin and Saint-Yves in La Courneuve-were vandalised by a man reportedly under the influence of crack cocaine. Described as barefoot and wearing a yellow cap, the attacker overturned benches, smashed religious statues and paintings, and disrupted a mass.
He threatened police with a knife, shouting “Come closer, I’ll kill you!” before being subdued by the Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC) after a tense confrontation. Authorities suspect psychiatric instability, and an investigation is underway to determine his motives. No injuries were reported, but the incident has sparked renewed concern over the safety of places of worship in France.
Sourcez: Police & Réalités, VALEURS.