French police nab synagogue arson suspect after fiery standoff
The authorities have managed to detain the man suspected of attacking a synagogue in France. The 33-year-old was injured just before he was arrested at the top of a municipal skyscraper in the city of Nimes.
5:58 PM EDT, August 25, 2024
French authorities have arrested the 33-year-old man suspected of setting a synagogue on fire. About 200 officers took part in the manhunt, as reported by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. He added that the assailant set fire to the front doors of the Beth Yaacov Synagogue in the coastal resort of La Grande-Motte and several cars parked nearby.
Surveillance camera footage shows the 33-year-old Algerian man around 2:30 AM Eastern Time on Saturday with a Palestinian flag around his waist, setting the temple on fire. President Emmanuel Macron called his actions "an act of terrorism."
Prime Minister Attal emphasized on the X platform that this is "an anti-Semitic attack." "In the face of anti-Semitism, in the face of violence, we will never be intimidated," he added. After visiting the synagogue, Attal said that an "absolute tragedy" was avoided thanks to the quick arrival of the fire brigade and the police at the scene.
A source cited by the "Daily Mail" reported that the 33-year-old was injured during the arrest. The police opened fire after the suspect started shooting in their direction. His arrest was confirmed on the X platform by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
The suspect was wounded. Two other people were also detained
The suspect, who is accused of setting fire to the synagogue and the cars parked outside, was shot in the face. The authorities emphasize that his life is not in danger. Officers also report the detention of two other individuals "related to the main suspect."
After the cars near the synagogue were set on fire, a gas cylinder exploded in one of the vehicles. A police officer was injured. His health and life are not at risk, and his injuries are described as minor.
