Suspect in Fatal French Mosque Attack Surrenders to Police in Italy

A man suspected of killing a Muslim worshipper at a mosque in southern France has surrendered to police in Italy, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The development follows a two-day international search after the attack in the town of La Grand-Combe, located in France’s Gard region.

The French Ministry of the Interior stated that the suspect, born in 2004 and with no previous criminal record, crossed into Italy before turning himself in at a police station near Florence on Sunday evening. French authorities have begun extradition proceedings to return him to France for investigation.

The attack occurred on Friday and was captured on the suspect’s phone, with footage reportedly showing the man shouting insults at God before committing the assault. Local media identified the victim as Aboubakar, a young man in his 20s, who had just finished cleaning the mosque when he was attacked.

French prosecutors are currently treating the investigation as potentially motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Abdelkrim Grini, the public prosecutor in Ales, said that while anti-Muslim sentiment appears to be the primary lead, investigators are also examining other possibilities, including psychological factors. He emphasized that the case is not being treated as a terrorist act.

The attack prompted a swift response from political and religious leaders across France. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the killing, reaffirming that “racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France” and that religious freedom is “inviolable.” Prime Minister Francois Bayrou described the incident as “Islamophobic,” while the Grand Mosque of Paris also strongly denounced the attack.

Demonstrations supporting the victim and calling for stronger measures against anti-Muslim violence were held over the weekend in La Grand-Combe and Paris. Critics, however, questioned the delay in official condemnation, prompting French government spokesperson Sophie Primas to affirm that “the law protects faith” and that authorities are committed to ensuring religious freedom.

France, home to Europe’s largest Muslim population, has grappled with periodic tensions over religious and racial issues. The killing in La Grand-Combe has reignited calls for greater action to prevent hate crimes and to protect religious communities across the country.

Authorities have vowed to expedite the legal process to bring the suspect back to France to face investigation and possible charges.

With input from the Associated Press and Al Jazeera.