Overview
- The 35-year-old was placed under formal investigation for attempted murders and ordered into pre-trial detention following Wednesday’s 35‑minute ramming spree on Île d’Oléron.
- Prosecutors say he tried to kill seven people, injuring five; two remain hospitalized with very serious injuries but their lives are no longer in immediate danger.
- Investigators recovered a 35 cm knife and a gas bottle from the car the suspect set on fire, and he told police he had “followed the orders of Allah” after a recent solitary conversion via social media.
- A psychiatric assessment found an alteration, not abolition, of discernment; the suspect was under the influence of cannabis, is described as poly-substance dependent, and further expert evaluations are planned.
- The national anti-terror prosecutor declined to take the case for lack of organizational links, leaving the La Rochelle prosecutor to lead the instruction as telephony, searches and victim care continue; the suspect expressed regret at the end of his custody.