2018 Strasbourg attack

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== 2018 Strasbourg attack ==

The 2018 Strasbourg attack was a terrorist attack that occurred on 11 December 2018 in Strasbourg, France. The attack took place at the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The assailant, identified as Chérif Chekatt, opened fire on the crowd, resulting in multiple casualties.

Background

Strasbourg is a city located in the Grand Est region of France, near the border with Germany. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, including being the seat of the European Parliament.

The Attack

On the evening of 11 December 2018, Chérif Chekatt, armed with a firearm and a knife, attacked visitors at the Strasbourg Christmas Market. The attack began at around 20:00 local time. Chekatt moved through the market, shooting and stabbing people indiscriminately. The attack resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to eleven others.

Perpetrator

Chérif Chekatt was a 29-year-old French national of Algerian descent. He had a long criminal record and was known to the authorities for his radical Islamist views. Chekatt had been on the Fiche S list, a watchlist of individuals considered a threat to national security.

Response

Following the attack, the French government raised the security alert level and launched a massive manhunt for Chekatt. The Gendarmerie and other security forces were deployed to locate and apprehend the suspect. On 13 December 2018, Chekatt was located in the Neudorf district of Strasbourg and was killed in a shootout with the police.

Aftermath

The attack had a significant impact on the city of Strasbourg and the wider region. The Christmas market was temporarily closed, and security measures were heightened across France. The attack also reignited debates on national security, immigration, and the effectiveness of the Fiche S system.

See also

• 2015 Paris attacks
• 2016 Nice truck attack
• 2017 Manchester Arena bombing
• Terrorism in France