France's anti-terror prosecutors initiated a probe on Sunday after a military-grade weapon was discovered in a parked car near a synagogue in Sarcelles, a suburb of Paris with a substantial Jewish community. The investigation comes amid rising antisemitic incidents in the country, particularly following the recent conflict in Gaza.
Details of the Weapon Discovery
The discovery occurred on Saturday, when law enforcement found at least one gun in a suspect's vehicle parked close to a cinema and restaurants in Sarcelles. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that the weapon was classified as a "military-grade weapon".
According to the police, the car prompted the evacuation of approximately 300 people from the vicinity. Although no explosives were located, an assault-style rifle and a handgun were retrieved from the vehicle.
Context of Rising Antisemitism in France
France has experienced a significant increase in antisemitic crimes, especially since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023. This year alone, French police have thwarted three planned attacks targeting the Jewish community, including a knife assault on a gendarme beneath the Arc de Triomphe in February.
