A man in his mid-30s drove his car into pedestrians and cyclists on Île d’Oléron, a French island, injuring ten people on Wednesday. Four of the victims are in critical condition. The incident occurred between the villages of Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
Witnesses reported that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” during his arrest. He also attempted to ignite his vehicle, which had gas cylinders inside. However, authorities have not confirmed if this act was motivated by terrorism. The man had a history of offenses, including theft and substance abuse, and was known to police for erratic behavior. Despite his troubling past, he was not on any radicalization watchlists.
The victims, aged between 22 and 69, were airlifted to the University Hospital of Poitiers for treatment. In response to the attack, a psychological support unit has been set up on the island to assist those affected.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has launched an investigation and visited the scene following the Prime Minister’s request. The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office is keeping an eye on the investigation but has not taken it over officially.
This incident has reignited discussions among French leaders about the need to address Islamist extremism. Sébastien Chenu, a Deputy in the National Assembly, emphasized the urgency of identifying and combating extremist networks. He stated, “This is a war you must wage here and now.”
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence in France. In recent years, there have been multiple incidents involving individuals with ties to radical groups. For instance, in 2020, a teacher was murdered by a refugee, and in 2023, a young man attacked a school, killing a teacher.
The latest event highlights ongoing concerns about how individuals with problematic backgrounds can carry out violent acts. It serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of violence inspired by extremist ideologies and the need for effective government action to protect citizens.
