- Detained following an explosion outside a French synagogue
Following the blast outside a religious establishment in southern France, the possible offender has been apprehended. This information was shared by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in the wee hours of X. As per him, the individual opened fire, yet the specifics concerning when and why are shrouded in mystery. He refrained from offering additional insights about the detainment following the suspected act of terrorism. Authorities had been pursuing the suspect for several hours prior to this.
On a Saturday morning, two entryways of the house of worship in La Grande-Motte, located near Montpellier, went up in flames. Two automobiles stationed before the structure also burnt to a crisp. An gas cylinder within one of the vehicles burst, wounding a law enforcement officer. The five people within the house of worship suffered no injuries.
As reported by BFMTV, the suspect was apprehended in Nîmes, around 40 kilometers from La Grande-Motte. They stated that the individual had been struck by police gunfire, but their condition is not critical.
The Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is conducting an inquiry into allegations of attempted murder with terrorist associations, conspiring to form a terrorist group, and causing destruction using harmful means. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was in possession of a Palestinian flag and a weapon," the prosecutor's office disclosed.
The arson at the house of worship in La Grande-Motte may be considered another instance of religious-related crime. The Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is investigating whether the suspect's actions should be classified as terrorism due to the flag and weapon found.
