The attacker who assaulted two men with a knife on Wednesday in Bordeaux, resulting in one death and one injury before being killed by the police, has been formally identified as a 25-year-old Afghan, announced the prosecution on Friday, April 12. The suspect, identified through the European database EURODAC, was confirmed to be Ahmad Saboor Hamraz, born on November 5, 1998 in Ghazni, Afghanistan. He had obtained refugee status from the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra) in September 2021, after initially applying for asylum in Greece in February 2019.
On Wednesday evening, the attacker stabbed the two victims, who were of Algerian origin, after reproaching them for consuming alcohol “on Eid”, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan for practicing Muslims, as stated by the prosecutor in Bordeaux, Frédérique Porterie. Toxicology reports revealed that the assailant was not under the influence of cannabis or alcohol during the attack. A search of his 22-square-meter apartment, which was tidy and sparsely furnished, uncovered a boxing medal, two Qurans, a prayer mat, and a phone that will be examined by investigators.
The prosecutor confirmed that they are coordinating with the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office for a comprehensive evaluation of the situation, despite stating on Thursday that there were no indications of a terrorist attack. The two victims were aged 26 and 37 respectively, with one sustaining injuries and the other succumbing to the attack. Two investigations have been launched – one for “murder” and “attempted murder”, and another by the IGPN (General Inspectorate of the National Police) regarding the police officer’s actions, with self-defense being considered justified by the prosecution based on initial evidence.
The motive behind the attack, which resulted in the death of one individual and the injury of another, was linked to the victims’ consumption of alcohol on a Muslim holiday, according to the initial findings of the investigation. The assailant, who was of Afghan origin and had refugee status in France, carried out the attack without being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The search of his residence revealed religious items and a phone that may provide further insight into his actions. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the incident in collaboration with anti-terrorism agencies.
The incident, which occurred in Bordeaux and led to the death of one person and the injury of another, involved the perpetrator confronting the victims for drinking alcohol on a Muslim holiday. Despite initial statements ruling out terrorism as a motive, authorities are conducting thorough investigations to determine the full scope of the situation. The police officer who fatally shot the assailant is currently being assessed for self-defense, as the investigation unfolds to shed light on the events that transpired. The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in European societies, highlighting the importance of addressing cultural differences and promoting mutual respect and understanding.
