the worrying radicalized profile of the suspect

A week after the events, Dereck R.’s terrorist motivations are gradually becoming clearer. In front of investigators, he admitted to having several targets in mind. In Le Mans (Sarthe), at the beginning of July, the suspect carried out reconnaissance in the city. He said he wanted to attack public places, including a synagogue, but he was apparently dissuaded by the presence of police officers. He therefore decided to attack a business, obtaining firearms, ammunition and a knife. Calling a taxi, he tied up the driver and wounded him in the neck.

The suspect’s lawyer denies that he tried to slit his throat, as the driver claims, and “firmly contest” the assassination attempt. Dereck R. claims to have injured him by accident while trying to free him from his bonds. He then fled by train to Yvelines, where he was arrested. Convicted of common law offences, he was released from prison at the end of June. It was in prison that he allegedly became radicalised, but no signs of this had been detected. Three accomplices have also been charged. Investigators are trying to find out whether the suspect was planning an attack in Île-de-France.