French Extremist Arrested before Carrying Out Church Attack

A French Islamic extremist was arrested prior to carrying out at least one attack on a church. 

The extremist, whose name has not been released by police, accidentally shot himself in the leg before attacking the church. He called an ambulance and was taken to a hospital where he was treated for the wound; the terrorist remained hospitalized on Wednesday. 

Police know that the 24-year-old man is a computer science student who had been previously flagged as a security risk. He has also been accused in another case resulting in the death of a young woman, Fox News reports. 

When officials arrived at the scene, they discovered guns, bulletproof vests and notes about targets inside the terrorist’s vehicle. In addition, he had blue flashing lights and orange “Police” armbands worn by French authorities. 

French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, "Detailed documents that were also found established beyond doubt that the individual was planning an imminent attack, probably on one or two churches.” 

Publication date: April 22, 2015