Grenoble: Explosion in a Bar Injures 12, Terrorist Hypothesis Ruled Out

A Sudden and Violent Attack

A grenade exploded on the evening of Wednesday, February 12, in a community bar in the Villeneuve district of Grenoble, injuring 12 people, including six in critical condition.

The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. at the Aksehir bar, a popular gathering place in the neighborhood, especially for watching football matches. An individual entered, threw a grenade without saying a word, and then fled, said François Touret de Coucy, Deputy Prosecutor of the Republic of Grenoble. According to initial findings, the attacker was also carrying an assault rifle, possibly a Kalashnikov, but did not use it.

Emergency services and law enforcement responded quickly. The injured were transported to the North site of Grenoble Alpes University Hospital. Contrary to initial reports, the hospital clarified that it had not activated its emergency response plan but had instead implemented an internal mobilization to manage the influx of victims.

Ongoing Investigation, No Arrests Yet

A formal investigation has been opened and assigned to the Division for Organized and Specialized Crime. No arrests have been made so far, and at this stage, no hypothesis is being favored, apart from the terrorist motive, which has been preliminarily ruled out, the prosecutor stated.

Reactions and Condemnations

The mayor of Grenoble, Éric Piolle, condemned “an act of unprecedented violence” and praised the swift response of emergency and security forces.

The investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrator and determine their motives.