French police have “neutralised” an armed man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the north-western city of Rouen, France’s interior minister has said.
The man was armed with a knife and when he moved towards police, they shot him, reports say.
Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignaol said the attack on the synagogue did not just affect the Jewish community, but the entire city was in shock.
Police had responded to the report of smoke in the city of Rouen, Normandy, in north-west France, at around 06.45 local time (5.45am GMT), local media reported.
The suspect was then shot dead by police as he moved towards officers whilst brandishing a knife.
“In Rouen, national police officers neutralised an armed individual early this morning who was clearly intent on setting fire to the town’s synagogue. I congratulate them on their responsiveness and courage,” Mr Darmanin wrote on X.
Two investigations have now been opened by Rouen public prosecutor’s office.
Rouen’s mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol said the town was “battered and shocked” as he sent his “thoughts and total support to the Jewish community” of his city.
“Through this attack and this attempted fire on the Rouen synagogue, it is not only the Jewish community that is affected,” Rouen’s mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol said.
He said the whole city was “battered and shocked” as he sent his “thoughts and total support to the Jewish community” of Rouen.
It comes as France prepares to host the Olympic Games in two months – having recently raised its alert status to the highest level.
Tensions and anger have also grown in France over the Israel-Hamas war and the wider Middle East.
Antisemitic acts have surged in the country, which has the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in western Europe.
