Masked Attacker Hurls Grenade into French Beauty Salon, Injuring Six
Six individuals, including a five-year-old girl, sustained injuries after a masked assailant launched a grenade into a beauty salon in the southeastern French city of Grenoble. The shocking incident occurred on Friday afternoon at approximately 3pm, sending waves of panic through the busy Gambetta street area, located near the bustling Gustave-Rivet square.
Terrifying Footage Captures the Attack
Disturbing video footage circulating on social media shows the hooded perpetrator, dressed entirely in black, forcing his way into the salon following an altercation with a woman at the entrance. The chilling recording depicts the individual with the grenade positioned between his legs, appearing to pull the pin before hurling the explosive device inside the premises.
As the attacker flees the scene accompanied by a group of associates, the footage captures the subsequent explosion within the salon. Witnesses reported hearing a "monstrous boom" as the device detonated, causing significant damage including shattered windows.
Chaos and Injuries in the Aftermath
At least one person managed to escape the building moments before the blast, while six others were discovered injured inside. Alain, a resident living on the same street as the targeted salon, described the harrowing scene: "I went downstairs quickly. We saw people screaming, covered in blood and panicking."
Julie Esthétique, owner of a neighboring beauty establishment located just doors away, recounted hearing "a huge explosion and three young girls screaming; they were with a child." She added that the area became "complete chaos" with numerous fire trucks and emergency responders blocking visibility of the street.
Investigation Underway as Prosecutors Downplay Lethal Intent
French law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the brazen daytime assault and are actively pursuing at least two suspects connected to the attack. Grenoble prosecutor Etienne Manteaux has provided crucial insights, suggesting the explosive device was not a standard military grenade but rather a blast device intended for intimidation.
In an official statement obtained by Le Dauphiné newspaper following his visit to the crime scene, Mr. Manteaux clarified: "It wasn't a conventional grenade, but rather an act of intimidation, which is obviously quite serious. No one was seriously injured, and no one was hospitalized."
Alarming Escalation in Criminal Behavior
The prosecutor expressed particular concern about the escalation in criminals' lack of inhibition and their pursuit of publicity for their actions. He revealed that a second individual was filming the primary attacker during the incident, and this footage has already begun circulating widely across various social media platforms.
"What is significant and worrying demonstrates an escalation in the criminals' lack of inhibition and the publicity they seek for their actions," Mr. Manteaux stated. "All of this seems truly unbelievable. Rest assured of the determination of the investigative services, and the justice system is working to shed light on these events."
Investigators have reportedly obtained promising leads in their pursuit of those responsible for this alarming act of public violence that has shaken the Grenoble community.
