Ten years after the devastating Paris terror attacks, Salim Toorabally, a security agent at Stade de France, continues to grapple with the psychological scars of that fateful night. On November 13, 2015, coordinated attacks across Paris claimed 132 lives and injured over 400. At the national stadium, Toorabally’s vigilance prevented a catastrophic loss of life by stopping Bilal Hadfi, one of the three suicide bombers, from entering the venue. Despite being hailed as a hero by then-President François Hollande and the public, Toorabally’s own suffering has remained largely unaddressed.
Toorabally, stationed at Gate L, recounted how he intercepted Hadfi, who attempted to tailgate another fan. Suspicious of Hadfi’s behavior, Toorabally alerted his colleagues, ensuring the bomber was denied entry. Hadfi later detonated his explosive vest outside the stadium, causing one death and injuring 14. Toorabally vividly remembers the explosions, the smell of burning, and the chaos that followed. He also tended to a wounded man, an experience that left him with haunting memories of blood and human flesh on his hands.
Despite his heroism, Toorabally received no immediate psychological support, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has since sought therapy, but the traumatic images of that night, including the graphic aftermath of Hadfi’s death, remain etched in his mind. Toorabally’s story underscores the long-term impact of terrorism on survivors and first responders, even as they are celebrated for their bravery.
As France commemorates the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Toorabally’s presence at a recent World Cup qualifier in Paris was a poignant reminder of the night that changed his life forever. His courage averted a potential disaster, but the emotional toll continues to weigh heavily on him. Former President Hollande and French footballer Blaise Matuidi have praised Toorabally’s actions, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy he prevented. Yet, for Toorabally, the battle with his own trauma remains far from over.