Suspect Apprehended in Synagogue Arson Attack in French Mediterranean Town

French authorities detained a suspect for the arson attack on the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande Motte. The attack, which injured a police officer and involved multiple fires, is being investigated as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group. Increased police presence has been ordered at Jewish worship places.

French police have apprehended a suspect behind the arson attack on the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande Motte, a resort town near Montpellier, as stated by the country's acting interior minister early Sunday. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on Saturday, injured a police officer and set two cars ablaze.

Firefighters found additional fires at two entrances to the synagogue. A police officer suffered injuries after a propane gas tank exploded. The National Antiterrorism Prosecutor's Office is investigating the case, treating it as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group.

In response to the attack, the government has reinforced police protection at Jewish places of worship nationwide. Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin visited the site and met with local officials. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as a terrorist act.