Car Ramming Attack in Western France Leaves Nine Injured
A 35-year-old French man rammed his car into pedestrians and cyclists on Oleron island, off the Atlantic coast, injuring at least nine people.
In an incident that took place on Wednesday, a 35-year-old French national drove his vehicle into pedestrians and cyclists on France's Oleron island.
The attack resulted in at least nine individuals sustaining injuries, as reported by officials.
The suspect reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during his arrest, which translates to 'God is Greatest' in Arabic.
However, local prosecutor Arnaud Laraize clarified that the individual was not on any watchlist for radicalized individuals.
Olivier Falorni, a regional deputy in the French parliament, stated that the attacker resided on the island and that both the suspect and victims were locals.
This has raised speculation about potential motives such as settling of scores or a political motive rather than an Islamist attack.
Falorni questioned the nature of the attack, noting that the suspect had no known connection to terrorism.
Instead, the inquiry is currently being handled by the local prosecutor’s office in La Rochelle under investigation for attempted murder.
The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was not immediately available for comment on this matter.
Two victims were reported to have sustained serious injuries, including the parliamentary assistant of a lawmaker from the far-right National Rally party.
The suspect drove his vehicle into various locations on the island before setting it alight.
Police later examined the partially burned-out car at the scene.
Local media reported that authorities are considering the possibility that the perpetrator might be mentally unstable due to previous run-ins with law enforcement for petty crimes, including drunk driving and drug-related offenses.
Junior Minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne confirmed that the suspect had no ties to security services.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety on Oleron island, a popular tourist destination during the summer months.
The attack resulted in at least nine individuals sustaining injuries, as reported by officials.
The suspect reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during his arrest, which translates to 'God is Greatest' in Arabic.
However, local prosecutor Arnaud Laraize clarified that the individual was not on any watchlist for radicalized individuals.
Olivier Falorni, a regional deputy in the French parliament, stated that the attacker resided on the island and that both the suspect and victims were locals.
This has raised speculation about potential motives such as settling of scores or a political motive rather than an Islamist attack.
Falorni questioned the nature of the attack, noting that the suspect had no known connection to terrorism.
Instead, the inquiry is currently being handled by the local prosecutor’s office in La Rochelle under investigation for attempted murder.
The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was not immediately available for comment on this matter.
Two victims were reported to have sustained serious injuries, including the parliamentary assistant of a lawmaker from the far-right National Rally party.
The suspect drove his vehicle into various locations on the island before setting it alight.
Police later examined the partially burned-out car at the scene.
Local media reported that authorities are considering the possibility that the perpetrator might be mentally unstable due to previous run-ins with law enforcement for petty crimes, including drunk driving and drug-related offenses.
Junior Minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne confirmed that the suspect had no ties to security services.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety on Oleron island, a popular tourist destination during the summer months.
