French police officers shot and injured a man armed with a knife during a dramatic confrontation at Paris's busy Montparnasse train station on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Confrontation at Major Transport Hub
The incident unfolded at approximately 16:34 local time when police confronted the individual at one of Paris's primary railway stations. The man was shot in the legs by officers before turning the blade on himself, according to official statements from the Paris prosecutor's office.
Authorities revealed that the suspect had a history of domestic violence and was known to police. A police source confirmed to Reuters that the man had previously threatened his wife and children in a Paris suburb before boarding a train destined for Montparnasse station.
Chaos and Evacuation
The police intervention triggered immediate panic throughout the station. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, though the prosecutor's office confirmed at least one shot was fired.
One eyewitness described the sudden chaos to BFM TV: "It took me two or three seconds to realise what was happening. People started saying: 'We have to get out of here, we have to leave quickly,' so that got my heart racing and I got up and ran."
The station, which serves both suburban commuter routes and high-speed trains to western and southwestern France, was completely evacuated as a safety precaution. A Reuters photographer at the scene documented how the police action caused a crowd surge through the main concourse as passengers scrambled to safety.
Ongoing Investigation
Emergency services, including French firefighters, were seen rushing through the station halls following the incident. The area was secured by police while investigations continued.
The suspect's condition following the self-inflicted knife wounds remains unclear, though authorities confirmed he received medical attention at the scene. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety at major transport hubs and police responses to armed individuals in crowded spaces.
Montparnasse station has since resumed normal operations, though security remains heightened as French authorities continue their investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
