French counter-terrorism police have shot an unarmed woman reportedly threatening passers-by in Paris.
A police source told the BBC that they intervened at the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand train station on Tuesday.
The woman, who was wearing a full veil, reportedly threatened to blow herself up.
When she refused to comply with police orders they opened fire eight times, the source said.
The woman was reportedly heard shouting “Allahu Akbar,” or “God is greatest”.
“Police feared for their safety,” the source added.
She is said to be critical but stable after being shot in the abdomen.
Government spokesman Olivier Véran said that the woman already had a conviction for threatening military personnel participating in Opération Sentinelle, the military operation to protect sensitive sites in France from terror attacks.
The officers who shot her were wearing body cams, Mr Véran added.
Two investigations have been launched by the authorities. One is regarding the woman’s actions, and the other to determine whether the use of a firearm by police was justified.
The incident comes amidst heightened tension in France caused by the Israel-Hamas war. (BBC)