Arson attack targets synagogue in France, authorities search for suspect:

Authorities are looking for a suspect after an arson attack on a synagogue in a southwestern Mediterranean city in France injured a police officer. 

Two vehicles parked on the Beth Yaacov synagogue advanced in the seaside resort city of La Grande Motte close to Montpellier had been set ablaze simply after 8 a.m. native time on Saturday, the National Anti-terrorism Prosecutor’s Office stated in an announcement. Firefighters found further fires at two entrances to the synagogue.

A police officer who walked as much as the positioning was injured after a propane gasoline tank in one of many automobiles detonated, officers stated.

Five individuals, together with the synagogue’s rabbi, had been current in the advanced on the time of the attack. They had been all unhurt, the prosecutor’s workplace stated.

The attack is being investigated as an tried assassination linked to a terrorist group, prosecutors stated. Officials are additionally investigating it as against the law deliberate by a terrorist group with the intent to trigger hurt, and because the destruction of property with harmful means. 

President Emmanuel Macron referred to as the attack a “terrorist attack” and stated {that a} hunt for the perpetrator is underway. French media stated {that a} suspect had been seen on CCTV cameras shortly earlier than the attack, with a Palestinian flag tied round their waist, Reuters reported. 

“The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle,” Macron said on social media.

Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal referred to as the attack “an act of antisemitism.”

“Once again our Jewish fellow citizens are being targeted,” Attal said in a post on social media. “Faced with antisemitism, faced with violence, we will never let ourselves be intimidated.”

Acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered police reinforcements at shield Jewish locations of worship. 

“I want to assure our Jewish fellow citizens of my full support and say that at the request of President Emmanuel Macron all means are being mobilized to find the perpetrator,” Darmanin posted. 

He ordered extra police deployed at Jewish locations of worship across the nation. Increased safety has already been at place at some websites following a surge of antisemitism for the reason that begin of the Israel-Hamas war final 12 months.

Darmanin and Attal had been anticipated to journey to Le Grand Motte in a while Saturday.