French police arrested a man suspected of trying to set a synagogue on fire in La Grande-Motte, France, on Saturday following a lengthy manhunt.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed the arrest in a post on X, and BFM TV reported that the suspect is a 33-year-old Algerian. RAID, an elite tactical unit of the French police, carried out the arrest alongside police officers from Marseille and Montpellier.
About 200 police officers began a manhunt on Saturday morning after an attacker set fire to the entry doors of the Beth Yaacov synagogue and several nearby vehicles. One police officer was injured after a gas bottle exploded as police secured the site of the attack.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a terrorist attack, and the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office was placed in charge of the investigation. According to CNN, prosecutors said an initial investigation indicated the suspect was carrying a Palestinian flag and a gun.
In a post on X, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said, “This is an antisemitic attack. Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted. … In the face of antisemitism, in the face of violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated.”
The French government said there would be increased police protection of synagogues and Jewish schools and shops across France.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
France is home to the largest Jewish population in Europe. Antisemitic incidents in France have tripled over the last year following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel.
La Grande-Motte is a town located in southern France and is a popular seaside resort.
