Man under the influence of cannabis storms church in France shouting “Allahu Akbar”

Security alert in Forbach

The city of Forbach, in the French Moselle region, was on high alert on Thursday morning after a 35-year-old man stormed the Saint-Rémi church, causing panic among those in the vicinity.

Details of the intrusion

The suspect entered the church shouting religious phrases and actively searching for the parish priest. Parents of pupils at a nearby school alerted authorities, fearing for the safety of those inside. Police officers quickly surrounded the building and arrested the intruder inside the church.

Seized items

Following a thorough search, police found an Opinel knife and a quantity of cannabis in the man’s possession. The public prosecutor of Sarreguemines, Olivier Glady, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, noting that the suspect may be suffering from mental health issues.

Official response

The parish priest, who was not present at the time, confirmed he was safe and had received no direct threats. The mayor of Forbach stated that targeting places of worship is an attack on the Republic and that ideologies of hatred and violence have no place in French society.