A police officer sustained minor injuries from a gas bottle explosion while securing the scene of the attack that morning, Attal reported.
The attacker set fire to several synagogue entrance doors and multiple cars, narrowly avoiding what Attal described as an “absolute tragedy” thanks to the quick response of firefighters and police.
Local media indicated that the suspect ignited two cars, one of which contained a gas bottle, in the synagogue’s parking lot around 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT).
President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident as a terrorist attack, and the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has taken over the investigation.
The French government announced increased police protection for synagogues, Jewish schools, and businesses across the country.
Following recent Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent strikes on Gaza, antisemitic incidents have surged across Europe. Reports from Le Parisien and franceinfo mentioned that the suspect was seen on CCTV before the attack with a Palestinian flag tied around his waist.
Attal condemned the attack as antisemitic, stating on X, “Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted. In the face of antisemitism and violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated.”
