A chilling terrorist attack unfolded in France when a man deliberately drove his car into a crowd while screaming "Allahu Akbar," leaving two victims fighting for their lives in critical condition.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has revealed the suspected attacker had been on the radar of security services due to suspected self-radicalisation prior to the violent assault.
Security Services Were Monitoring Suspect
According to ministerial statements, the individual behind the wheel had shown signs of radicalisation that prompted security monitoring. The revelation raises serious questions about how someone under surveillance could still carry out such a devastating attack.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as the vehicle ploughed into pedestrians, with the driver's religious cries adding to the terror of the moment.
Victims Remain in Critical Condition
Medical authorities confirmed that two people injured in the assault continue to battle life-threatening injuries. Emergency services rushed multiple casualties to nearby hospitals following the incident, with medical teams working through the night to stabilise the most severely wounded.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted heightened security alerts across the region.
Growing Concerns Over Lone Wolf Attacks
This latest incident highlights the ongoing challenge European security forces face in preventing lone actor terrorist attacks. Self-radicalised individuals operating without direct command from established terrorist organisations present particular difficulties for intelligence agencies.
French anti-terror prosecutors have taken over the investigation, treating the car-ramming as an act of terrorism with religious motivations.
The French government has reiterated its commitment to combating extremism while urging citizens to remain vigilant in public spaces. Security measures around crowded areas have been reinforced as authorities continue their investigation into the attacker's background and potential connections.
