France Shocked as Driver Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ Rams Into Crowd, Injuring Ten

Image: Jihad Watch

In a chilling incident that has stunned France, a man screaming “Allahu Akbar” — Arabic for “God is Great” — drove his car into a crowd of pedestrians on the scenic French holiday island of Oléron early this morning, leaving at least ten people injured. Authorities say four of the victims are in critical condition, including an aide to National Rally MP Pascal Markowsky.

The attack occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time, when the 35-year-old suspect deliberately steered his vehicle towards walkers and cyclists moving between two villages on the island, located off France’s western Atlantic coast. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the car sped through narrow streets, striking people “at random” before finally coming to a halt.

According to officials, the driver attempted to ignite his vehicle after the rampage. Gas cylinders were later discovered inside the car, suggesting a possible plan for a larger explosion. However, police intervened swiftly, using a taser to subdue and arrest the man before any further harm could occur.

Thibault Brechkoff, the mayor of Dolus-d’Oléron, confirmed to BFMTV that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he was being detained. “He tried to hit everyone he could encounter,” Brechkoff said, noting that among the injured was a young girl.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron—currently en route to Brazil—has been briefed on the situation. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism authorities are closely monitoring the case, though France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has not yet taken over the investigation. Officials said that while the attack appears deliberate, it is too early to determine whether it was motivated by extremist ideology or by mental instability.

La Rochelle’s public prosecutor, Arnaud Laraize, announced that a formal investigation for attempted murder has been opened. “At the time of his arrest, the suspect shouted ‘Allahu Akbar.’ However, the motive remains unconfirmed, and the investigation will determine the intent,” Laraize stated.

Early reports indicate that the suspect, who resides in La Cotinière—a small fishing village roughly two miles from Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron—is not listed in France’s database of individuals suspected of radicalisation. This has raised questions about whether the act stemmed from sudden psychological disturbance rather than a premeditated terrorist plot.

Local residents who witnessed the horror said the driver appeared to be “having fun hitting people in his path.” One resident recounted, “Right outside my window, a pedestrian was struck and badly injured. It was terrifying.”

For now, French police continue to search for answers as they piece together the events of this morning’s attack—an incident that once again reopens the nation’s deep wounds over random acts of violence linked to cries of “Allahu Akbar,” whether inspired by terror or madness.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)