French PM Condemns “Heinous Islamophobic Hate Crime” After Mosque Murder in Southern France
Manhunt Underway After Shocking Stabbing at Khadija Mosque in Grand City Leaves Young Worshipper Dead
Watan-Following the killing of a worshipper inside a mosque in the city of Grand, southern France — and the release of a video filmed by the perpetrator — French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned what he called a “heinous Islamophobic hate crime.”
He stated in a post that “all of the state’s resources are being mobilized to apprehend and punish the killer.”
French authorities continue searching for the suspect in the mosque killing, which took place Friday. The regional prosecutor explained that “investigative teams are working tirelessly” to locate the suspect and “prevent him from committing further crimes.”
Un fidèle a été assassiné hier près d’Alès à la mosquée de la Grande-Combe. L’ignominie islamophobe s’est exhibée sur une vidéo. Nous sommes avec les proches de la victime, avec les croyants si choqués. Les moyens de l’État sont mobilisés pour que l’assassin soit saisi et puni.
— François Bayrou (@bayrou) April 26, 2025
Suspect at Large After Deadly Stabbing at Khadija Mosque
According to a source close to the investigation, “all indications suggest that the wanted individual, Olivier, intends to carry out additional killings.” The suspect’s brother was taken into custody on Saturday.
The attack happened Friday morning at the Khadija Mosque, a prayer hall located in a small village within the city municipality, home to about 5,000 residents.
The victim, a man in his twenties, and the attacker were alone inside the mosque. According to the prosecutor’s briefing on Friday: “The two men were performing prayers when one of them stabbed the other dozens of times, then left him bleeding and fled the scene.”
The victim’s body was only discovered later Friday morning when other worshippers arrived for Friday prayers. The prosecutor told Agence France-Presse on Saturday that “all possibilities” remain open, including the “hypothesis of an Islamophobic motive.”
In a video recorded immediately after the crime — which BFMTV reviewed — the alleged killer hurled insults and threats at the victim, who lay on the mosque floor, and also insulted his deity. Reports indicate the video was posted on Snapchat but quickly removed.
Manhunt Continues for Khadija Mosque Murder Suspect
The suspect, who has been identified, remained at large as of Saturday afternoon. He has no prior record with police or judicial authorities. Born in 2004, he holds French nationality, according to an investigative source.
In addition to the video recorded by the perpetrator, investigators have surveillance footage from cameras inside and outside the mosque, said prosecutor Abdel Karim Grini.
According to the prosecutor, the victim, aged between 23 and 24, “regularly attended” the mosque, whereas the attacker “had never previously visited or attended” it, according to available information.
On Friday, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the crime as “horrific,” expressing his “support for the victim’s family and solidarity with the Muslim community affected by this brutal act inside a place of worship on the day of major prayer.”
