2019 Lyon bombing
The 2019 Lyon bombing took place on 24 May 2019 in Lyon, France. The bomb exploded near a bakery on a busy street and the blast wounded 14 people. Eleven victims were sent to hospitals.[1] The youngest victim was an eight-year-old girl who suffered light injuries.[2][3][4] Police authorities closed the nearby Victor Hugo and Bellecour metro stations.[3]
2019 Lyon bombing | |
---|---|
Part of Islamic terrorism in Europe | |
Lyon | |
Location | Rue Victor Hugo, Lyon, France |
Date | 24 May 2019 17:30 (UTC+1) |
Target | Civilians |
Attack type | Bomb attack |
Weapons | Homemade bomb |
Deaths | 0 |
Injured | 14 |
Perpetrator | Mohamed Hichem Medjoub |
Motive | Jihadism, Islamic extremism |
Investigation
Authorities opened an inquiry to investigate the incident as a terrorist attack.[1] According to experts, the explosive used for the bomb was of a type which has been used in jihadist attacks in France such as the November 2015 Paris attacks.[5]
Suspect
A suspect was arrested three days later at a bus stop in Lyon and he admitted to investigators that he carried out the bombing. On 20 May 2019, The New York Times reported that the suspect, named Mohamed M., told investigators he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. According to interior minister Christophe Castaner, the suspect was previously unknown to security services.[6] He was charged with attempted murder and multiple terrorist crimes.[7]
Aftermath
On 24 May 2019, president Emmanuel Macron expressed his sympathy for the victims.[1]
References
- "Explosion dans une rue piétonne à Lyon, au moins 13 blessés". FIGARO. 2019-05-24. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- "French police appeal after parcel bomb attack". 2019-05-24. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- "France: Package bomb explodes in Lyon 'attack' | DW | 24.05.2019". DW.COM. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- mag, Lyon (2019-05-24). "Lyonmag.com". Lyonmag.com (in French). Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- "Attaque au colis piégé à Lyon: ce que l'on sait samedi soir à 21h30". Nice-Matin (in French). 2019-05-25. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- Breeden, Aurelien (2019-05-30). "Lyon Bomb Suspect Told Police He Pledged Allegiance to ISIS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- "Lyon blast suspect appears before anti-terror judge". France 24. 2019-05-30. Retrieved 2019-07-28.