Rouen, France: Police shoot armed attacker who tried to set fire to a synagogue

Paris
CNN
—

Police shot dead an armed attacker on Friday as he tried to set fire to a synagogue in the northern French city of Rouen, according to a spokesman for the country’s Interior Ministry.

France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted his support for the intervening police.

“Earlier this morning, police officers in Rouen killed an armed person who apparently intended to set fire to the city’s synagogue. I congratulate them on their responsiveness and courage,” Darmanin said.

In response to tensions surrounding the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, France has tightened security measures at Jewish institutions. Darmanin announced additional security measures for synagogues and Jewish schools last month.

“As Passover approaches and in light of the current international situation, I have told local officials to significantly increase security at places our Jewish compatriots visit, particularly with regard to synagogues and Jewish schools,” the minister wrote X

This is a developing story and will be updated.