Knife Attack Shocks Paris' Champs-Elysees Ahead of Olympic Games

A police officer was injured in a knife attack in Paris' Champs-Elysees ahead of the Summer Olympics. The attacker was shot dead by police. Paris police chief stated no terrorism was suspected. Increased security measures have been imposed in preparation for the Olympic Games.

A police officer was wounded in a knife attack in Paris on Thursday in the high-end Champs-Elysees neighbourhood. The assailant was shot and succumbed to his injuries, just days before the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the attack did not appear linked to the Olympics, and no terrorist motive was suspected. According to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, the incident occurred in the 8th arrondissement while police were responding to a call from officers securing a store. Security agents at the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs-Elysees had reported suspicious behaviour by the man outside the store.

Speaking after the incident, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the assailant pulled out a knife, threatened, and attempted to stab the officers multiple times. He succeeded in injuring one officer. The police response was described as "totally proportionate" since the suspect was threatening their lives.

The suspect died after being shot. An investigation has been opened into the attempted murder of a police officer. The wounded officer has been hospitalised but is not facing life-threatening injuries. The attack occurred amid heightened security measures ahead of the Paris Games, scheduled to start on July 26. Recently, a man stabbed a French soldier at Gare de l'Est train station, who was subsequently taken to a psychiatric hospital.

Security concerns are heightened as Paris prepares for the Summer Olympics' exceptional opening ceremony, which will take place along the Seine River instead of a closed stadium. Darmanin remains at the interior ministry in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed following the recent legislative election.

(With inputs from agencies.)