France: Driver Injures Ten in Île d’Oléron Attack, Shouts “Allahu Akbar”

Ten people were injured, several critically, today when a driver deliberately rammed his car into pedestrians and cyclists on the Île d’Oléron, off the west coast of France.

The incident unfolded around 08:45 (07:45 GMT), with the suspect, a local man in his mid-30s, driving for a distance between the villages of Dolus d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron before abandoning his vehicle and attempting to set it alight. According to the mayor of Dolus d’Oléron, Thibault Brechkoff, the driver “mowed down several people including a young girl.” He was apprehended after being immobilized with a stun gun.

Authorities report the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) at the time of his arrest, and is known to police. Gas canisters were discovered in the back of the car after the suspect’s attempt to ignite it. This attack raises concerns about potential radicalization and security measures in the region, particularly as France remains on high alert for terrorist threats. More information about counter-terrorism efforts in France can be found at the Ministry of the Interior.

An inquiry has been opened into the incident, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is traveling to the scene. Local prosecutor for La Rochelle, Arnaud Laraize, confirmed the suspect’s prior record with law enforcement. You can find more details about the Île d’Oléron here.

Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine the full motives behind the attack and to provide support for the victims and their families.