Authorities are investigating an explosion outside Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte in the French south as an “attempted terrorist murder.” The incident occurred on Saturday morning when two cars were set ablaze near the synagogue, one containing a concealed gas canister.
Police, citing video surveillance, reported that a man seen igniting the vehicles carried a Palestinian flag and possibly a handgun. He also appears to be wearing the Arab keffiyeh scarf also worn by far-left activists in the United States, UK, and Europe.
One police officer was injured in the explosion, which took place shortly after 8AM local time. The officer’s injuries are not life-threatening. Five individuals, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue during the blast.
BREAKING: Terror attack in front of a synagogue — on Shabbat — in La Grande-Motte, France. A car explosion.
On the right is the alleged perpetrator in a keffiyeh with a Palestinian flag tied around his waist.
So far, reports that a police officer was injured.
Can you… pic.twitter.com/eAApACOJLd
— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) August 24, 2024
The head of the Jewish community in France, Yonathan Arfi, interpreted the attack as “an attempt to kill Jews,” suggesting it was timed to coincide with the presence of Saturday morning congregants. President Emmanuel Macron labeled the explosion a “terrorist act.”
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin are slated to visit the site later on Saturday. Both officials have condemned the act, with Attal describing it as “antisemitic” and Darmanin assuring reinforced security around Jewish sites. Darmanin also pledged his support to the Jewish community and the local municipality.
The news comes a day after a mass stabbing attack in neighboring Germany, which is also being investigated as political terrorism.