Five individuals sustained injuries when a driver plowed into a crowd in France on Wednesday morning. The driver, a 35-year-old French national, then tried to set the vehicle ablaze while shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) during his apprehension, as per reports from French media. Among the injured were a 22-year-old woman and a 69-year-old cyclist, who are currently in critical condition according to local sources.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive for the incident, attributing the driver’s actions to “psychiatric issues,” as stated by the public prosecutor for La Rochelle. The driver, known for past criminal activities related to substance abuse, was not flagged in any anti-terrorism databases.
Political figures have expressed their sentiments regarding the attack. Philippe Ballard, a Member of the National Assembly, extended sympathies to the victims and praised law enforcement for swiftly subduing the assailant. Manuel Bompard, also a Member of the National Assembly, conveyed well wishes to the injured and their families, while Manon Aubry, a Member of the European Parliament, expressed sorrow over the tragic event.
Following the incident, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited the site to support the victims and acknowledge the efforts of emergency responders. The driver, described as an unemployed local resident with a history of substance abuse, was arrested on the scene after shouting “Allahu Akbar.”
Despite the driver’s utterance of the phrase commonly associated with terrorist attacks, investigations have been focused on attempted murder rather than terrorism. The attack prompted reactions from various political figures, with calls for clarity on the issue of extremism.
The injured individuals, ranging from 22 to 67 years old, hailed from local areas in France. Detailed images of the burnt-out car used in the attack have been released, showcasing the aftermath of the incident. The driver was found to have no alcohol in his system, and further details revealed his background of drug and alcohol-related convictions.
The picturesque island of Oléron, where the incident occurred, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The Minister of the Interior confirmed that the driver had been detained and investigations are ongoing. Laurent Nuñez reiterated the severity of the situation and pledged government support in response to the attack.