Terrorism investigation into attack on synagogue in southern France

The attack on a synagogue in southern France on Saturday is being investigated as an act of terrorism, while security forces are searching for the suspected perpetrator and his possible accomplices.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced in a statement that it has taken over the investigation on three charges: attempted murder, destruction with dangerous means and criminal association, all with terrorist motivations.

A municipal police officer from the town of La Grand Motte (about 8,600 inhabitants) was injured, although not seriously, in the attack, which consisted of the setting on fire of two vehicles, one of which contained a gas cylinder that exploded.

There were also two other fires at the two entrances to the Beth Yacoov synagogue, where five people, including the rabbi, were inside, but they were unharmed, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

Research in progress

“Everything is being done to find the perpetrator of this terrorist act and to protect places of worship. The fight against anti-Semitism is a constant struggle, that of a united nation,” said President Emmanuel Macron.

“The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation. Security forces are tracking down the suspect,” said acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in a message on X.

Investigators are studying, among other clues, security camera footage in the area to try to determine the identity of the alleged perpetrator, local media reported.

Attal added that, together with the acting Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, they have ordered “the immediate reinforcement of the protection of Jewish places of worship.”

The incident, which occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. (6:30 GMT), was of “manifestly criminal” origin, Darmanin said on X, assuring “our Jewish fellow citizens and the city of my full support.”

The attack has sparked all kinds of condemnation and rejection of anti-Semitism by the French political class.

“When a synagogue is attacked, the whole of France is targeted,” former President François Hollande said in a statement, adding that “anti-Semitism must be denounced and combated unanimously.”

Origen

The incident, which occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. (6:30 GMT), was of “manifestly criminal origin,” Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said in X, assuring “our Jewish fellow citizens and the city of my full support.”

“All means have been mobilized to find the author,” he added.

The flames of the fire reached the doors of the synagogue, which was empty at the time, according to public radio, which added that the fire started in four different places. The attack took place on the day of the week when the temple was most attended.

The prefect (government delegate) of the Hérault department announced that he has ordered the police and the gendarmerie to “strengthen the security of Jewish interests in the department.”

Paris / EFE