Suspect Arrested in Arson Attack on French Synagogue That Injured Police Officer

French police stand guard after cars were set on fire in front of the city's synagogue, in La Grande-Motte, France, August 24, 2024.

French police have apprehended the suspect behind the arson attack on a synagogue in La Grande Motte, a seaside town in southwestern France, which injured a police officer, according to Acting Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The attack occurred early Saturday morning, when two cars parked at the Beth Yaacov synagogue were set on fire, leading to an explosion from a propane gas tank inside one of the vehicles.

The National Anti-terrorism Prosecutor's Office confirmed that firefighters also discovered fires at two entrances to the synagogue. Fortunately, the five people present, including the synagogue’s rabbi, were unharmed.

The incident is being investigated as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group, as well as a planned crime intended to cause harm and destruction of property with dangerous means. Following the attack, Darmanin ordered increased police protection for Jewish places of worship across the country, citing the rise in antisemitic incidents.

A Gendarmerie officer stands guard after cars were set on fire in front of the city's synagogue, in La Grande-Motte, France, August 24, 2024.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack as a "terrorist act" and reaffirmed France's commitment to fighting antisemitism. The suspect, seen on CCTV cameras before the attack, was reportedly wearing a Palestinian flag around their waist.

Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also denounced the attack as an act of antisemitism, stating that France will not be intimidated by such violence.