On January 13, 2026, a serious incident occurred at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris when an armed man attempted to stab police officers guarding the historic monument. The attack was swiftly dealt with by another officer who shot the assailant, and President Emmanuel Macron characterized the event as an Islamic terrorist attack. Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the assault, there were no reported injuries among the tourists present at the site, which is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions.

Macron highlighted the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism in his statements following the incident. He noted that the attack happened while tourists were visiting, which underscores the vulnerability of iconic public spaces to such acts of violence. The fact that the incident occurred as the eternal flame was being rekindled—a symbolic moment of remembrance—adds a layer of poignancy to the event and reflects the continuing struggle against terror in France.

In light of this attack, authorities activated their anti-terrorism task force to further investigate the incident and to enhance security measures in the area. This event not only raises concerns about public safety and the security of prominent landmarks in Paris but also shines a light on the broader implications of terrorism in Europe, prompting discussions about security policies and the protection of civilians in public spaces from such threats.