In France, possible terrorist attack against synagogue in the south of the country is being investigated

The attack on a synagogue in southern France on Saturday, August 24, 2024, is being investigated as a terrorist actwhile security forces are on the trail of the alleged perpetrator and his possible accomplices.

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The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced in a statement that it has taken charge of the investigation into 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.

Besides, There were two other fires at the two entrance doors of the Beth Yacoov synagogue.inside which there were five people, including the rabbi, who were unharmed, the Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

“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.

Camera footage from the synagogue reportedly shows a man fleeing while waving a Palestinian flagaccording to the news channel BFMTV.

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 head of government and the acting interior minister are travelling to La Grand Motte, near the city of Montpellier, to visit the synagogue this afternoon and discuss the situation with local authorities.

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.”

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

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.”

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

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

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