Anti-terrorism prosecutors in France have opened an investigation after at least one firearm was discovered in a car parked near a synagogue in a suburb of Paris.
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, has experienced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks.
The vehicle was found in Sarcelles, a northern suburb of Paris with a large Jewish population.
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, the weapon recovered was a “military-grade” firearm located near one of the town’s synagogues.
Nunez said that no motive had yet been established and that no arrests had been made.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation on charges of “participation in a terrorist criminal organisation with a view to preparing crimes against persons” and offences relating to the transport, possession and acquisition of weapons in connection with a terrorist enterprise.
The suspicious vehicle was parked near a cinema and several restaurants in a busy area, prompting the evacuation of approximately 300 people.
According to AFP, citing a police source, no explosives were found, but officers recovered an assault-style rifle and a handgun from the vehicle.
France has recorded a significant increase in antisemitic acts since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Nunez also stated that French authorities have thwarted three planned attacks targeting the Jewish community so far this year, including an attempted knife attack on a gendarme near the Arc de Triomphe.
