Ile d’Oléron attack: 35-Year-Old driver screams ‘Allahu Akbar’ after ramming pedestrians on French Island

A peaceful morning on the French island of Île d’Oléron turned tragic after a 35-year-old man deliberately drove into pedestrians and cyclists, injuring at least ten people. Four remain in critical condition, according to French authorities.

The shocking attack unfolded between the villages of Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, in what officials described as a “deliberate act.” The suspect, a local man from La Cotinière, was later arrested after being immobilized with a stun gun. He reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar”, Arabic for “God is Greatest”, during his arrest, though anti-terrorism prosecutors are not currently involved.

Who Is the Ile d’Oléron Suspect?

The suspect, identified by French prosecutors as a 35-year-old local resident, was known to police for minor offences such as theft. Authorities confirmed he was not listed as a national security threat, ruling out prior radicalization links for now.

According to Arnaud Laraize, the public prosecutor in La Rochelle, the man resisted arrest and was subdued with a stun gun. He later set his car on fire before being detained.

Mayor Thibault Brechkoff of Dolus-d’Oléron described the incident as “a deliberate attempt to harm,” adding that the driver appeared to have acted alone.

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How the Ile d’Oléron Attack Unfolded

The rampage began around 8:45 a.m. local time (07:45 GMT) when the driver plowed into pedestrians and cyclists along the road connecting Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as several victims, including a young girl, were struck.

After mowing down multiple people, the driver abandoned his vehicle, set it ablaze, and attempted to flee. A gas canister was later found inside the burnt car, heightening concerns about his intent.

Emergency services quickly arrived, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed two people were in intensive care, while several others sustained serious injuries.

Official Response and Investigation

Interior Minister Nuñez said an inquiry has been opened into the incident and that he had traveled to the scene at the request of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

He called the event “deeply shocking,” adding that France stands with the victims and their families. For now, the case remains under local judicial investigation, with the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office not yet involved due to lack of evidence linking the attack to extremist motives.

What We Know About Ile d’Oléron

Île d’Oléron, located off France’s Atlantic coast near La Rochelle, is the country’s second-largest island after Corsica and a popular tourist destination. Known for its fishing villages, sandy beaches, and cycling routes, it rarely witnesses violent crime.

This attack has therefore shocked residents and tourists alike. Local media describe scenes of confusion as ambulances, firefighters, and police flooded the area.

What Happens Next

The suspect remains in police custody in Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, facing preliminary charges of attempted murder. Prosecutors are examining the suspect’s background and mental health, while forensic teams are analyzing the burnt car and surrounding crime scenes.

Residents are being urged to stay calm as authorities continue to investigate. French officials say there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.

FAQ – What People Are Searching About the Ile d’Oléron Attack

Q1: What happened on Ile d’Oléron?

A1: A 35-year-old man deliberately drove into pedestrians and cyclists on the French island of Ile d’Oléron, injuring several people, including four critically.

Q2: Who is the Ile d’Oléron driver?

A2: The suspect is a 35-year-old French national from La Cotinière, a small fishing village on the island. He was known for minor offences like theft but was not on any terrorism watchlist.

Q3: Did the driver shout anything during the attack?

A3: Yes. According to officials, the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during his arrest, though authorities have not classified the event as terrorism.

Q4: How many people were injured in the Ile d’Oléron car attack?

A4: At least ten people were injured, with four in critical condition and two others in intensive care, according to France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Q5: Is the Ile d’Oléron attack being treated as terrorism?

A5: Not currently. The French anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office is not involved as investigators have not found clear evidence of terrorist motives.

Q6: What do we know about the suspect’s motive?

A6: The motive remains unclear. Investigators are exploring whether the act was linked to mental health issues or personal grievances rather than ideological extremism.

Q7: What was found in the suspect’s car?

A7: A gas canister was discovered in the burnt vehicle, which the suspect set on fire before attempting to flee. Authorities are analyzing the item as part of the investigation.

Q8: What is Ile d’Oléron known for?

A8: Ile d’Oléron is a popular holiday destination on France’s west coast, known for its beaches, cycling routes, and seafood, particularly oysters and mussels.

Q9: How did police arrest the suspect?

A9: The suspect resisted arrest but was subdued with a stun gun and taken into custody by local police in Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.

Q10: What happens next in the case?

A10: The suspect is being held for attempted murder while prosecutors assess evidence and witness statements. Further updates are expected once the investigation concludes.