From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
France synagogue attacker long harbored antisemitism, researched Shabbat to commit attack — prosecutors
A 33-year-old man faces terrorism charges over an arson attack on a French synagogue last weekend, with prosecutors saying he long held antisemitic views and looked up Jewish practices in order to commit his attack.
A police officer was injured after the suspect set multiple fires around the Beth Yaacov synagogue on Saturday in the Mediterranean resort town of La Grande Motte. The suspect, identified by prosecutors only by his initials, EHK, fled the scene, but was later arrested.
EHK, an Algerian with French residency, was presented to a judge today.
Prosecutors say they are seeking preliminary terrorism charges against him, including attempted murder and arson committed for reasons of race or religion, as well as armed violence against police. Two other people suspected of providing him help are also facing potential charges.
Under questioning, the suspect admitted staging the attack, and told investigators he acted to support the Palestinian cause and make Israeli authorities react, the statement says. He claimed he did not have any homicidal intent, but wanted to scare people.
Based on questioning by police and his social media posts, EHK appears to have become more radical in his religious beliefs in recent months, and told acquaintances that he wanted to go fight in Gaza, prosecutors say.
He “has for a long time nursed a hatred toward Jews, specifically focused on the situation in Palestine,” the statement adds.
In recent weeks, he purchased a firearm and conducted internet searches about synagogues in the region, Jewish holidays, and Sabbath practices, according to the statement.
He went alone to the Beth Yaacov synagogue with a handgun, several plastic bottles full of fuel, and an axe upon which he had written statements about Palestine, Gaza, and Muslim blood, prosecutors say.
They ask for him to be jailed, pending further investigation.
“Once again, French Jews have been targeted and attacked because of their beliefs,” caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal says, after visiting La Grand Motte. “We are outraged and repulsed.”
