A photo has been released of the suspect believed to be behind the explosion at the Beth Yaakov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, earlier today.

At around 8 a.m., the suspect, who was seen wearing a keffiyeh and a Palestinian flag around his waist with what appeared to be a gun tucked into it, attempted to enter the synagogue. When he was unable to gain access, he set multiple cars on fire outside the synagogue, aiming to ignite the building. Four people and the synagogue’s rabbi were inside at the time but were unharmed. However, a police officer was injured when a propane gas tank in one of the cars exploded.

Officials stated that the suspect’s goal was clearly to enter the synagogue, but after failing to do so, he tried unsuccessfully to set the outside of the building on fire. Prime Minister Attal noted that the assailant was “extremely determined” to cause harm, and if the synagogue had been full of worshipers, there would likely have been casualties.

Later in the day, French police reported the arrest of a suspect connected to the attack. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the arrest on X, noting that the suspect had fired at police during the apprehension, though further details were not provided.

Antisemitism has surged in France, home to the world’s third-largest Jewish community. In November, approximately 100,000 people marched in Paris to protest against antisemitism following the Hamas attack on October 7 and Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The attack is being investigated as attempted murder. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned it as a “terrorist act” and assured that all efforts were being made to apprehend those responsible. “The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle,” he emphasized.