Syringe Attacks Rock French Music Festival: Victims Speak Out Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Paris, France A wave of alarming syringe attacks has cast a shadow over a recent nationwide street music festival in France, with nearly 150 individuals reporting being pricked. Authorities are investigating the incidents, though it remains unclear if date-rape drugs were used in the assaults. Among the victims is 22-year-old Manon, who recounted her harrowing experience to CNN. She described being pricked in her left forearm around 1:30 AM when the streets were less crowded. "I started to feel numb in the muscle, like you do when you get a vaccine," Manon stated. Approximately 30 minutes later, an injection mark became visible. Manon spent the night in the emergency room, being shuffled between hospitals for care. She expressed profound emotional distress, stating, "I don't know why someone would do this... to people who did absolutely nothing, who just want to enjoy life." Upon returning home, she promptly filed a police report. Police have confirmed that 14 people have been detained in connection with suspected syringe attacks across France. However, as of now, no formal charges have been filed. Manon emphasized the importance of victims coming forward and filing complaints, asserting, "It's important because if we're too lax, if we say 'oh, others will file complaints,' nothing ever changes." She now faces an anxious three-week wait for toxicology results, hoping for answers and relief.