A driver injured ten people, two of them critically, after ramming a crowd on the French island of Ile d'Oleron, GMT reported. Police apprehended the driver, and authorities have subsequently opened an investigation into attempted murder.
"'At the time of his arrest, [the man] shouted Allah Akbar. However, the motive is not confirmed and the investigation will have to determine it ,'" the La Rochelle public prosecutor told Le Figaro, according to GMT. French media also reported the man tried to ignite gas cylinders inside his car. Mr Laraize, a prosecutor, stated this claim is being verified and that the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is "'not involved at this stage'."
French President Emmanuel Macron is monitoring the incident while en route to Brazil, BFMTV reported. The suspect, cited by GMT, is a 35-year-old man from La Cotinière, a village near Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.
The mayor of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, Christophe Sueur, informed Le Parisien the suspect is "'known for his numerous transgressions, notably due to his regular consumption of drugs and alcohol,'" and is not on a terror radicalization list. The attack on Wednesday morning, which occurred between Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, injured both pedestrians and cyclists.
Victims of the attack were airlifted to the University Hospital of Poitiers. French media also noted that a psychological support unit was established at Château d'Oléron.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the incident on X, stating: "'A motorist struck several pedestrians and cyclists on his route in Saint Pierre d´Oléron and Dolus d'Oléron. The suspect has been taken into custody by the gendarmes. An investigation has been opened." He added, "'At the request of the Prime Minister, I am heading to the scene,'" as reported by GMT.
