French Authorities Launch Terrorism Probe After Synagogue Arson

French authorities initiated a terrorism investigation after an arson attack targeted a synagogue in La Grande Motte, injuring a police officer. The incident involved two cars set ablaze and additional fires at the synagogue's entrances. Security forces are searching for a suspect, and national leaders have condemned the anti-Semitic attack.

French authorities have launched a terrorism investigation following an arson attack on a synagogue in the southwestern Mediterranean town of La Grande Motte. The attack, which injured a police officer, saw two cars parked at the Beth Yaacov synagogue set on fire, and additional fires discovered at two entrances to the building.

A police officer sustained injuries when a propane gas tank in one of the vehicles exploded. Five people, including the synagogue's rabbi, were present but unharmed. Prosecutors are treating the incident as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group.

The mayor of La Grande Motte, Stéphan Rossignol, stated that surveillance footage has identified a lone suspect. President Emmanuel Macron and other national leaders condemned the attack as an act of antisemitism. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin have assured that all necessary resources are being mobilized to find the perpetrator.