Sarcelles is known for having a significant Jewish population.Image: www.imago-images.de
The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation after weapons were found in a vehicle in the town of Sarcelles, north of Paris.
July 13, 2026, 12:51 a.mJuly 13, 2026, 12:51 a.m
A Kalashnikov machine gun with several magazines and a pistol were discovered in the suspicious car, which was “in the immediate vicinity” of a cinema and 500 meters from a synagogue, the authorities said. Around 300 people were reportedly evacuated from the area on Saturday evening. Sarcelles is known for having a significant Jewish population.
The authorities had previously received a tip about a possible Islamist terrorist attack on a synagogue in Sarcelles and were looking for the car, the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office said in a statement. The vehicle found turned out to be stolen; In addition, the license plates were partially detached. After the discovery, according to French media reports, a security zone was set up in the busy district. People had to leave a cinema and restaurants, for example.
The Paris Anti-Terror Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the suspicion of forming a terrorist organization and the transport, possession and acquisition of certain weapons in connection with a terrorist operation.
“We don’t know the motives yet,” said French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez previously on BFMTV. The people responsible have not yet been identified. The investigation is ongoing, said the minister. (sda/dpa)