French PM Condemns “Islamophobic” Mosque Stabbing as Suspect Remains at Large

A Muslim worshipper was fatally stabbed on Friday inside the La Grand-Combe mosque in southern France’s Gard region, France 24 reported. The attacker, identified as a French citizen of Bosnian origin, filmed the victim—a 23-year-old Malian migrant—while shouting Islamophobic insults and stabbing him up to 50 times.

The video was briefly shared on social media before deletion. French Prime Minister François Bayrou denounced the act as an “Islamophobic atrocity,” pledging state resources to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large.

Regional prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini confirmed the killing is being investigated as a potential hate crime, with anti-terror prosecutors considering jurisdiction. The victim, a regular worshipper, was found hours later by Friday prayer attendees. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, calling the murder “appalling.” La Grand-Combe, a former mining town with high unemployment, has been deeply shaken by the attack. Authorities emphasize the suspect’s non-Muslim background and prior anonymity at the mosque.