France knife attack: ‘Backpack hero’ praised for facing attacker

Henri, a 24-year-old Catholic pilgrim, has been hailed as a hero by French media for his courageous attempt to stop a knife attack in Annecy, which resulted in serious injuries to four children. Henri, who had been touring France’s cathedrals, instinctively pursued the attacker and used his backpack as a weapon to defend against the assailant.

President Emmanuel Macron personally commended Henri for his bravery during their meeting in the town. Macron praised Henri’s actions as a “source of hope” while acknowledging that he had also experienced a traumatic event. The French leader visited the victims of the stabbing and expressed his gratitude to the first responders.

Video footage captured Henri swinging his backpack at the attacker and chasing him across a grassy area. The hashtag #MerciHenri began trending online, and Henri himself posted on Instagram, urging people to pray for the children and assuring them that he was fine.

In an interview with CNews the following morning, Henri explained that he believed it was unthinkable to do nothing in such a situation. He acted on his instincts and did what he could to protect those who were vulnerable. While Henri modestly stated that he was not the only civilian who intervened, he emphasized that he felt compelled to act and defended the weak, just as any French person would.

Henri’s father expressed his belief that his son’s actions prevented further harm, crediting him with scaring off the assailant and preventing carnage. Prior to the incident, Henri had been interviewed about his nine-month tour of France’s cathedrals, where he relied on walking and hitchhiking. He mentioned his habit of knocking on random doors near cathedrals to find accommodation, explaining that it helped him open up to people.

Regarding the attacker’s claim of identifying as a Christian, Henri rejected the notion, stating that it was profoundly unchristian to target the vulnerable. Instead, he believed that something deeply negative possessed the assailant.

Henri’s courageous response to the knife attack has garnered widespread admiration in France, with many praising his selflessness and humility.

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