French police have successfully apprehended and detained a suspect in connection with an arson attack on a synagogue in the town of La Grande Motte, near Montpellier. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, resulted in two cars parked at the Beth Yaacov synagogue complex being set ablaze. Firefighters also discovered additional fires at two entrances to the synagogue.
During the attack, a police officer was injured when a propane gas tank near the burning vehicles exploded. Fortunately, five individuals present in the synagogue complex at the time, including the rabbi, escaped unharmed.
The suspect was arrested in the city of Nimes following an intense police operation. The National Antiterrorism Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the suspect opened fire on the police intervention unit, resulting in injuries to the suspect's face. Two other individuals linked to the suspect were also taken into custody.
Authorities are treating the incident as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group, as well as destruction of property with dangerous means. The attack is believed to have been planned by a terrorist group with the intent to cause harm.
In response to the attack, acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered police reinforcements to protect Jewish places of worship across the country. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack as a terrorist act and emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Local officials, including the mayor of La Grande Motte, Stéphan Rossignol, are actively involved in the investigation. Surveillance videos from the city are being reviewed, with footage showing a lone suspect at the scene of the attack. The suspect, who was carrying a Palestinian flag and a weapon, was unable to gain entry into the synagogue.
Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described the attack as a shocking and appalling act of violence, specifically targeting the Jewish community. He expressed outrage and emphasized the need to combat antisemitism in France.
Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of Jewish places of worship and to prevent further acts of violence against the community.
