French police have arrested a 33-year-old Algerian man suspected of attempting to set fire to a synagogue in La Grande-Motte on Saturday, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. The suspect allegedly targeted several entry doors to the synagogue and nearby cars.
The arrest followed a manhunt involving about 200 police officers. The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office reported that the suspect, who had opened fire on police, was wounded in the face during the confrontation. Two other individuals were also taken into custody. A policeman sustained minor injuries when a gas bottle exploded during the incident.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the attack as antisemitic, asserting that France would not be intimidated by such acts of violence. He described the situation as a narrowly avoided “absolute tragedy” due to the prompt response from firefighters and police.
Reports indicated that the suspect, who was seen on CCTV with a Palestinian flag around his waist, set fire to cars in the synagogue’s parking area. The attack comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in Europe following recent conflicts in the Middle East.
The French government has announced increased protection for synagogues, Jewish schools, and shops in response to the attack.
