France: Suspect Detained in Synagogue Arson Attack

French authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the attempted arson of a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, a southern town near Montpellier, CNN reported. The arrest was made after a raid in Nimes on Saturday by elite police units, including the RAID team, known for its counter-terrorism expertise.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the detention and praised the police for their professionalism during the operation, despite the suspect opening fire. The suspect was injured in the confrontation but is not in critical condition, according to reports from the French news outlet BFMTV.

The attack began when the suspect set multiple cars ablaze in a parking lot across from Synagogue Beth Yaacov. The fire eventually led to an explosion that injured a police officer. The incident occurred on a Saturday morning, a time when the synagogue was hosting worshippers for the Sabbath.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in La Grande-Motte and across France, emphasizing the nation’s ongoing battle against antisemitism. “Our thoughts are with the congregation and all Jews in our country,” Macron said. “The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle, that of a united nation.”

The French anti-terrorism prosecutors have taken over the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the attacker was carrying a Palestinian flag and a firearm. The explosion was reportedly caused by gasoline stored in one of the burning vehicles. Although the suspect intended to gain entry to the synagogue, their attempts to set fire to the building’s exterior were unsuccessful.

La Grande-Motte’s mayor, Stephan Rossignol, described the incident as starting with a diversionary tactic—setting cars on fire to draw emergency services away from the synagogue. When responders arrived, the explosion occurred, injuring the police officer and causing chaos.

Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the attack, stating, “Once again, our fellow Jewish citizens have been targeted. In the face of antisemitism and violence, we will never be intimidated.”

The attack is part of a troubling trend of rising antisemitic incidents in France, particularly following recent conflicts involving Israel and Gaza. Interior Minister Darmanin has ordered increased security at Jewish institutions nationwide and called for a reinforcement of measures to protect these sites.

Yonathan Arfi, head of the Jewish interest group CRIF, condemned the attack as a blatant act of hatred aimed at the Jewish community. Prime Minister Attal and Minister Darmanin are scheduled to visit the synagogue later today to show their support and discuss the ongoing security measures.