On June 21, 2025, France’s annual Fête de la Musique, a vibrant street music festival, faced disruption due to reports of needle-spiking attacks. French police detained 12 suspects after 145 individuals, mostly young women, reported being pricked with syringes during the nationwide event. Authorities are investigating whether the incidents involved date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB, substances commonly used to disorient victims.
Millions attended the Fête de la Musique, with Paris experiencing “unprecedented crowds.” However, the festive atmosphere gave way to anxiety as news of needle-spiking spread. The interior ministry confirmed 145 victims across France, including 13 in Paris. At least 12 women aged 14 to 20 required hospitalisation, with some undergoing toxicological tests to identify the substances used.
Fête de la Musique or "music day" in France this weekend.
145 people has syringes stuck in them, scores stabbed, many seriously injured.
These were the scenes in Paris. pic.twitter.com/SBgfKNvlje
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) June 22, 2025Authorities in Paris have initiated investigations following three separate incidents. This includes a report from a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old male who experienced illness after feeling a prick. Additionally, a 17-year-old was hospitalised due to stab wounds to the abdomen, highlighting the severity of these attacks.
French feminist influencer Abrège Soeur warned her followers on Instagram and TikTok about social media posts encouraging attacks on women during the festival. The Guardian reported that alarming online messages urged individuals to target women with syringes, raising concerns about possible coordination. Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez condemned the online incitement as “completely idiotic” and stressed the seriousness of the incidents.
As millions took to the streets across France for the annual Fête de la Musique, 12 people were detained nationwide for stabbing at least 145 people with needles, the interior ministry reported. https://t.co/AZRBkRgrk0 pic.twitter.com/cl4gvK2oZc
— E! News (@enews) June 24, 2025Police arrested 12 suspects across France. In Angoulême, four individuals allegedly targeted around 50 victims, according to a police source. Beyond needle-spiking, authorities detained more than 370 people for various offences during the festival, with nearly 90 arrests in Paris alone. Fourteen festivalgoers and 13 law enforcement officers sustained serious injuries.
The interior ministry prioritises the investigation, and a spokeswoman told CNN that toxicological tests are underway. “The ministry is taking this very seriously,” she said, highlighting the urgency of identifying the substances and motives behind the attacks.
🇫🇷🔴A woman suffers a brutal head kick right in front of the Notre-Dame Church.
It was all part of the incredible violence seen during the Music Festival 2025 (Fête de la Musique) in Paris.
371 arrests were made and 1,500 people injured in various incidents. pic.twitter.com/id9fbg3cmN
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) June 22, 2025While Nuñez reported no “major incidents” that disrupted the festival, the needle-spiking cases have sparked widespread concern. Authorities urge festivalgoers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Ongoing investigations aim to determine whether these attacks were isolated or part of a broader scheme, with toxicological test results expected to clarify the situation.
As France confronts this troubling trend, public safety remains a top priority. Stay informed about developments and take precautions at large events.
