Pedestrians and a cyclist were deliberately hit by a motorist who police say was shouting the well-worn war cry of “Allahu Akhbar”, with the National Rally sovereign political activist among those now in critical condition.
What observers called an “Islamist” or “jihadist” attack, long known in French cities, hit “La France Profonde,” or deep France, leaving at least ten people injured after a man drove his car into people on the picturesque island best known for its fishing community and slow pace of life.
10 people were injured on Wednesday morning on the island of Oleron in the Bay of Biscay near Rochefort by a motorist. Of the injured, four were reported to be in “critical condition.” A political assistant The policy of the “National Rally” (Party “National Rally” Marine Le Pen) is reported Le Figaro suffered one of her most serious injuries: she was hit while jogging on the beach and was airlifted to hospital in a “total emergency.”
Update 1500 – two in critical condition.
Although four of the most seriously injured were airlifted to hospital after the attack, the official number has dropped from four in critical condition to two since news of the rampage first broke. Giving an update during a visit to Ile d'Oleron, France's interior minister said the suspect “talks little” while in police custody but the investigation is ongoing, including searches of the man's property.
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A 35-year-old man was detained. Police say the suspect is known to officers for petty crime and drug use and that he lives in a nearby community. A criminal investigation has been opened for attempted murder, but despite the battle cry heard when the man was arrested, prosecutors say they have not yet decided what the motive might have been for the hit-and-run in multiple locations on the island.
A local prosecutor is reported to have said: “He shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during his arrest.” However, the motive has not been confirmed, and it remains to be established by the investigation.” Anti-terrorism police are at the scene but have not yet taken control of the investigation.
The vehicle used in the alleged attack was set on fire by the assailant as he attempted to flee on foot, and it is alleged that several gas cylinders were found in the vehicle, indicating an attempt to cause an explosion. Police had not confirmed this information at the time of publication.
Conservative commentators and politicians have condemned the perpetrator and the attack, noting in particular how what they call Islamist terror has spread even into France profonde, the deepest and most picturesque parts of the country. Eric Zemmour, a French presidential candidate, essayist and polemicist, said in his characteristic style: “Just a few years ago, places like Ile d'Oléron were a refuge for those who still wanted to live in a preserved France. Today the situation is such that we see jihadists emerging all over France.”
Jordan Bardella, the parliamentary leader of the National Rally party, which reportedly witnessed one of its employees being seriously injured, called for strict punishment for the perpetrator of what he called “blind and deliberate violence.” His party colleague, deputy Sebastian Chenu, noted that no one is safe from “this phenomenon” and called on the state to fight the “Islamist hydra.”
He said: “The Islamist threat has never been greater. This is a war that must be fought here and now. Our country has already paid a heavy price for Islamism.”
The story is developing, to be continued
