Attacker in French synagogue ‘wanted to scare people’

A police officer was injured after the suspect set several fires around the Beth Yaacov Synagogue in the Mediterranean resort of La Grande Motte on Saturday.

The suspect, who was identified by the public prosecutor only by his initials EHK, fled the scene but was later arrested.

During his arrest, he suffered injuries to his chest, arm and face, according to a statement from the French anti-terrorism prosecutor's office.

EHK, an Algerian resident in France, appeared before a judge on Wednesday.

The public prosecutor's office said it was seeking preliminary charges of terrorism, including attempted murder and arson for racist or religious reasons, as well as armed violence against the police.

Two other people suspected of helping him could also face charges.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to staging the attack and told investigators he acted to support the Palestinian cause and provoke a response from Israeli authorities, the statement said.

He said he had no intention of murdering anyone, but wanted to scare people.

According to the prosecutor, police interviews and his social media posts show that EHK has apparently become more radical in his religious beliefs in recent months and has told acquaintances that he wants to fight in Gaza.

In addition, he has “long harbored a hatred of Jews, particularly focused on the situation in Palestine,” the statement continued.

In recent weeks, he has purchased a firearm and searched the Internet for synagogues in the region as well as Jewish holidays and Sabbath customs, the statement said.

He went to the Beth Yaacov Synagogue alone on Saturday with a pistol, several plastic bottles filled with fuel and an axe on which he had written statements about Palestine, Gaza and Muslim blood, prosecutors said.

They demanded that he be detained until the investigation is completed.

“Once again, French Jews have been targeted and attacked because of their faith,” said caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal after his visit to La Grand Motte.

“We are outraged and disgusted.”