The head of France’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Gerald Darmanin, used social networks to report the detention of a man armed with a knife who was seen near a synagogue in the southern town of Cannes. He stated that the police apprehended a dangerous individual who had been preparing to attack another person in a busy area, and that the immediate intervention prevented a potential tragedy.
According to BFMTV and police sources, officers observed the suspect waiting close to the synagogue and acting with a visible weapon. As the man produced the knife and moved toward bystanders, law enforcement officers stepped in, restraining him before any harm could occur. The assailant attempted to flee but was quickly stopped and taken into custody.
The incident in Cannes follows a recent report from northern France about another knife-related threat aimed at a school in Arras. In that event, a person brandished a knife in the vicinity of an educational institution, prompting a swift police response and the securing of the area.
Earlier reports also mentioned a separate knife incident at a school, where a teacher faced a threat while a student was involved. Those events prompted investigations and heightened attention to public safety around schools and community spaces.
Authorities have emphasized that security services act promptly in such situations to protect pedestrians and students, and to deter any potential escalation. Investigations continue to determine the motives of the individuals involved and whether there is any connected pattern among these recent cases. Officials reassure the public that security measures remain a priority and that steps are taken to monitor and respond to threats in real time, especially near places of worship and education. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior to authorities to help prevent harm. The overall message from authorities is one of caution, rapid response, and ongoing coordination among police, emergency services, and local communities to maintain safety in public spaces.