What we know about the arson attacks at the synagogue in La Grande-Motte, described as a “terrorist act” by Emmanuel Macron

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office announced that it had opened an investigation on Saturday into attempted terrorist assassinations. A suspect, spotted by a video surveillance camera, is being sought.

An attack that occurred in the middle of Shabbat. The synagogue of the famous seaside resort of La Grande-Motte (Hérault) was targeted by arson attacks around 8:30 am on Saturday 24 August. Two cars, including one containing a gas bottle, were set on fire within the synagogue, as well as two doors leading to the religious building. A municipal police officer was injured. A man flying a Palestinian flag was filmed by video surveillance at the scene. The resigning Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, and the resigning Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, are expected on site in the afternoon.

While the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (Pnat) has opened an investigation into attempted terrorist assassinations, here is what we know about these facts.

Several fires broke out between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. at the synagogue

According to an initial report by the Pnat, between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., two vehicles were “set on fire in the Beth Yaacov synagogue”. On site, “two additional fires” have been noted “at the level of two doors giving access to the synagogue”A municipal police officer, who went to the scene, was “injured by the blast caused by the explosion of a gas bottle present in one of the burning vehicles”continues the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office. He was taken to the emergency room at Montpellier University Hospital, reported France Bleu Hérault. His life is not in danger, franceinfo learned from a source close to the investigation.

According to the Pnat, five people, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue at the time of the fires, but were not injured.There was no office in progress at the time of the events. Local residents told France Télévisions that they had heard a “violent explosion”.

Suspect waving Palestinian flag caught on CCTV

“Initial investigations indicate that the perpetrator was carrying a Palestinian flag and a weapon.”franceinfo learned from the Pnat. The images from the video surveillance cameras, consulted by France 3 and franceinfo and authenticated by several sources close to the investigation, show a man filmed at the scene. He wears a red keffiyeh on his head, a blue polo shirt and a Palestinian flag is tied around his waist. On his belt, we can see the butt of a handgun. In his hands, two plastic bottles filled with a yellowish liquid.

This person is wanted. The Pnat adds that “Investigations are actively continuing in order to allow the arrest of the perpetrator(s) of the acts”. “Everything is being done to find the perpetrator of this terrorist act”, declared Emmanuel Macron on the social network X.

Investigation opened for “attempted assassination in connection with a terrorist enterprise”

The Pnat quickly announced that it was taking charge of the facts. The investigation into the offence was opened for “attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise”, “destruction by dangerous means in connection with a terrorist enterprise” and “terrorist criminal association with a view to preparing crimes against people”.

The investigations are entrusted to the anti-terrorist sub-directorate, the zonal directorate of the national police in the South and the general directorate of internal security.

Images recorded by city cameras “are being viewed”, specified on franceinfo STephan Rossignol, the mayor of La Grande-Motte. “We do not know if the individual has left the city or if he is still in the city”he added, specifying that “The individual in question failed to enter the synagogue, although that was clearly his objective.”.

Protection in front of Jewish places of worship strengthened

“I want to assure our Jewish fellow citizens and the community of my full support.”reacted the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, on X, announcing having asked all the prefects to reinforce “immediate” static guards in front of Jewish places of worship.

An attempted arson attack, clearly criminal, hit the synagogue of La Grande Motte this morning. I want to assure our Jewish fellow citizens and the municipality of my full support and say that at the request of the President of the Republic @EmmanuelMacronall means are mobilized…

— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) August 24, 2024

The government has regularly denounced a resurgence of anti-Semitic acts since the attack carried out by the Islamist movement Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023 and the start of the war in Gaza. They have almost tripled since the beginning of the year.

The political class and the Jewish community denounce an anti-Semitic attack

The political class unanimously denounced this attack which occurred during the Sabbath, the weekly day of rest for people of Jewish faith. “The fight against anti-Semitism is a constant battle,” Emmanuel Macron declared.

Thoughts for the faithful of the synagogue of La Grande-Motte and all the Jews of our country. Everything is done to find the author of this terrorist act and protect places of worship.

The fight against anti-Semitism is a constant battle, that of the united Nation.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 24, 2024

The leader of La France Insoumise, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whose movement has been accused by his political opponents of stirring up anti-Semitism, which he denies, denounced on X a “intolerable crime”. “Anti-Semitism is growing in France and it has just struck again in La Grande-Motte”for his part accused the national secretary of the PCF Fabien Roussel, the leader of Place publique Raphaël Glucksmann denouncing, for his part, “the scourge of anti-Semitism, which we must fight together without the slightest weakness”.

The leader of the National Rally deputies, Marine Le Pen, also denounced the “unacceptable and unspeakable attacks (…), a consequence of the rise of anti-Semitism which is spreading in our country”.

There is also great emotion within the Jewish community. Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, expressed his concern on franceinfo. “Unfortunately, we know that there is always a ripple effect, of mimicry, with anti-Semitic acts, he fears. Every anti-Semitic act leads to the next ones.”