French police on Friday killed an armed man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the northern city of Rouen. It's unclear if the incident is terror-related.
"National police in Rouen neutralised early this morning an armed individual who clearly wanted to set fire to the city's synagogue," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on X.
"I congratulate them on their responsiveness and their courage."
Police sources said officers were told that smoke was rising from the synagogue, and came face to face with the man when they got there.
Media reports said the man was armed with a knife and an iron bar. He approached police, who then opened fire in an incident that took place about 6.45am.
There were no other victims. The man has yet to be identified.
Two investigations have been opened: one into the fire at the synagogue, and another into the circumstances of the man's death.
Religious tensions
France has the largest Jewish community of any country after Israel and the United States, as well as Europe's largest Muslim community.
Tensions and anger have grown in France over the Israel-Hamas war.
"Attempting to burn a synagogue is an attempt to intimidate all Jews," Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), wrote on X.
"Once again, there is an attempt to impose a climate of terror on the Jews of our country."
Elie Korchia, president of the Israelite Central Consistory of France, paid tribute to the police who she said had prevented another anti-Semitic tragedy.
"On the eve of Shabbat, an armed individual who wanted to set fire to the consistorial synagogue in Rouen was neutralised by police officers who were nearby," he wrote.
France's Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office told AFP it was assessing whether to take up the case.
(with AFP)
