PARIS — Authorities in France have taken four individuals into custody following a fatal stabbing incident that has been linked to Islamic extremism. This information was confirmed by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office.

The tragic event occurred on Saturday in Mulhouse, a city close to the German border, resulting in the death of a Portuguese man. During the altercation, seven police officers sustained injuries, with one parking control agent reported to be in severe condition, as per the statements from the prosecutor’s office.

Among those detained is the alleged attacker, a 37-year-old man from Algeria, referred to by prosecutors as Brahim A. The interior minister characterized him as an Islamic extremist exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition to the main suspect, two family members and an individual who had offered him accommodation were also apprehended, according to official reports.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the government’s “complete determination” to tackle the situation, blaming it on “Islamist terrorism.” The country has remained on high alert due to rising concerns over extremist threats.

During the incident, the assailant repeatedly shouted “Allahu akbar,” which translates to “God is great” in Arabic. He was armed with both a knife and a screwdriver at the time of the attack.

The suspect reportedly arrived in France in 2014 without legal documentation and had previously been arrested and convicted for praising terrorism following the attacks orchestrated by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau noted that authorities had identified a schizophrenia diagnosis for the individual.

Following a stint in prison for his prior conviction, the suspect was placed under house arrest while efforts were made to deport him back to Algeria. Retailleau criticized Algeria for its reluctance to accept back individuals with criminal records that France wishes to extradite.

In response to this incident, the French government plans to convene a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss immigration issues. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated that the focus will be on 19 nations that present challenges in returning undocumented persons, remarking on the importance of addressing these complexities in light of recent events.