France: A young man who converted to Islam a month ago was arrested after threatening passers-by with a knife

Panic broke out in the streets of Draveil in the Essonne department on Sunday morning. A 22-year-old man, who had converted to Islam just a month ago, panicked passers-by before being arrested by the police. The man had threatened at least two people with a knife, a so-called Opinel, as CNEWS learnt from police sources, confirming a report by Europe 1.

The police intervened quickly thanks to the victims’ statements and a photo provided by a witness, the media reported. This photo was a crucial element in identifying and locating the suspect.

The first victim was targeted on his way home. The attacker, who was armed with a knife, confronted the woman in the middle of the street and mentioned that she had recently converted to Islam. The man then approached other people and demanded money under the pretence of his Muslim faith.

A search was immediately carried out at the home of the person’s aunt. The authorities discovered that the man was suffering from a mental disorder, which may have contributed to his conspicuous behaviour. cnews

Draveil (91) : un jeune, converti à l’islam depuis un mois, interpellé après avoir menacé des passants avec un couteau. Des troubles psychiatriques évoqués – Fdesouche