Suspicious Car Uncovers Alleged Plot: 6 Arrested Over Planned Attack on a Synagogue Near Paris

Reuters reported today (Sunday) that French prosecutors announced the arrest of six people for involvement in planning an attack on a synagogue in Sarcelles, near Paris. The detention of the six suspects was extended, and an indictment is expected to be filed.

As previously reported, on July 12 a suspicious vehicle was discovered near the synagogue, and a rifle and a handgun were found inside the car. Following the discovery, police ordered the evacuation of about 300 people from the area in order to prevent a disaster.

According to French prosecutors, the suspects were arrested the day before yesterday, and the prosecutor said the plot was most likely connected to Islamic extremism. At the start of the investigation, authorities suspected this was an attempted attack rather than a vehicle found at the scene for criminal reasons.

Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez confirmed upon the discovery of the vehicle that the investigation would be handled in cooperation with security agencies and the Interior Ministry. According to him, the presence of a suspicious vehicle containing weapons in a neighborhood with a major Jewish center raises suspicion that this was an attempted antisemitic attack. It should be noted that a suspect believed to have been driving the vehicle was located and arrested nearby the same day.