2019 Lyon bombing explained

2019 Lyon bombing
Partof:Islamic terrorism in Europe
Location: Rue Victor Hugo, Lyon, France
Target:Civilians
Date:24 May 2019
Time:17:30
Timezone:UTC+1
Type:Bomb attack
Fatalities:0
Injuries:14
Victim:-->
Perpetrator:Mohamed Hichem Medjoub
Assailant:-->
Weapons:Homemade bomb
Numpart:-->
Dfen:-->
Motive:Jihadism, Islamic extremism

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.

Investigation

Authorities opened an inquiry to investigate the incident as a terrorist attack. 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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Explosion dans une rue piétonne à Lyon, au moins 13 blessés. 2019-05-24. FIGARO. 2019-05-31.
  2. News: French police appeal after parcel bomb attack. 2019-05-24. 2019-05-31. en-GB.
  3. Web site: France: Package bomb explodes in Lyon 'attack' DW 24.05.2019. DW.COM. en-GB. 2019-05-31.
  4. Web site: Lyonmag.com. mag. Lyon. 2019-05-24. Lyonmag.com. fr-FR. 2019-05-31.
  5. Web site: Attaque au colis piégé à Lyon: ce que l'on sait samedi soir à 21h30. 2019-05-25. Nice-Matin. fr. 2019-05-31.
  6. News: Lyon Bomb Suspect Told Police He Pledged Allegiance to ISIS. Breeden. Aurelien. 2019-05-30. The New York Times. 2019-05-31. en-US. 0362-4331.
  7. Web site: Lyon blast suspect appears before anti-terror judge. 2019-05-30. France 24. en. 2019-07-28.