The Bastille Day parade in Paris, taking place every July 14 to commemorate the French Revolution, turned into a scene of chaos when Jacques Chirac, the then President of France, faced an assassination attempt. Maxime Brunerie, a 25-year-old man with a history of anti-government protests, threw a knife at Chirac while he was waving to the crowds from a parade vehicle. As the national celebration marked the unity of the French people, this violent act starkly contrasted the festivities. Brunerie was quickly apprehended by security forces, and surprisingly, Jacques Chirac was unharmed, displaying calmness throughout the ordeal.

The incident raised significant concerns about security during public events, prompting a reevaluation of protocols surrounding the protection of high-ranking officials. It also attracted media attention, leading to discussions about political extremism in France and the reactions of citizens towards the government at the time. This was not only a critical moment for Chirac but also highlighted issues of nationalism and political dissent that were present in the French society of the early 2000s.

As investigations into Brunerie’s motives unfolded, it became evident that he harbored long-standing grievances against the government's policies, shedding light on the polarized political climate in France. Chirac continued with his schedule post-incident, and the subsequent days included increased security measures for public events. The attempt served as a grim reminder of the potential for political violence, emphasizing the need for vigilance in democratic societies.