A police officer was stabbed and the attacker was killed in central Paris.

On Thursday, a police officer in Paris was injured in a knife attack in the upscale Champs-Elysees neighborhood. The attacker was shot and later died from his injuries, according to authorities. This incident occurred just days before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez stated that the attack did not seem to be connected to the Olympics and that there was no suspected terrorist motive. This was also confirmed by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who posted on social media that the attack happened in the 8th arrondissement of Paris while police were responding to a call for assistance at a nearby store.

According to a police official, the security personnel at the flagship Louis Vuitton store on Champs-Elysees had alerted the police after noticing suspicious behavior from a man outside the store. Speaking in front of the store after the stabbing, Chief Nunez explained that the assailant had pulled out a knife and threatened the officers, attempting to stab them multiple times before succeeding in injuring one of them. He also defended the police's response as being "totally proportionate" as they were faced with a dangerous situation.

The suspect eventually succumbed to his injuries after being shot by the police. The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the attempted murder of a police officer. The injured officer was taken to the hospital but is not in life-threatening condition.

The area where the attack took place was bustling with tourists and locals at the time, as it is a popular shopping and dining destination. Some onlookers even took photos as the police cordoned off the area. Associated Press journalists at the scene reported seeing more police officers arriving shortly after the incident. At a nearby luxury hotel, guests had to pass under police tape to enter the premises, with their luggage being wheeled under the cordon by a porter.

The Louis Vuitton store is known for its long lines and is one of the biggest attractions on the avenue, which is lined with high-end boutiques. The parent company, LVMH, did not release any statement regarding the incident.

This knife attack comes just days after another incident where a French soldier was stabbed and injured while on patrol in Paris. The attacker was later taken to a psychiatric hospital.

France is currently under its highest security alert in preparation for the Paris Games, which are set to begin on July 26th. In light of this, the Paris police have implemented strict security measures in the city center, especially along the Seine River where the opening ceremony will take place in the open instead of a closed stadium.

Meanwhile, Minister Darmanin will continue in his role at the interior ministry until a new government is formed, following the legislative election earlier this month.

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