France Car Attack: Suspect Shouts ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ While Ramming Crowd, MP Aide Critically Hurt

<p>A driver suspected of deliberately ploughing his car into a crowd on France&rsquo;s holiday island of Ile d&rsquo;Oleron this morning has injured at least ten people, including a senior female aide to far-right MP Pascal Markowsky, who is among two victims in a critical condition. Emergency services were deployed in large numbers after the vehicle, reportedly carrying gas cannisters in its boot, struck pedestrians. Witnesses said the suspect shouted &ldquo;Allahu Akbar&rdquo; during his arrest. An investigation for attempted murder has been opened, while the suspect remains in police custody.</p>
<p>The female aide, working for Pascal Markowsky of the National Rally party, is reported to have suffered multiple fractures and a head injury. She is one of two victims currently in the intensive care unit. Both were airlifted to the University Hospital of Poitiers for urgent treatment.</p>
<p>Markowsky, 71, a veteran of the party since its days as the National Front, expressed concern over his aide&rsquo;s condition.</p>
<h2>Suspect Arrested; Motive Under Investigation</h2>
<p>The 35-year-old local man suspected of carrying out the attack was arrested by police. Witnesses confirmed he shouted &ldquo;Allahu Akbar&rdquo; while being detained. French prosecutor Arnaud Laraize said, &ldquo;When he was arrested, he shouted &lsquo;Allahu Akbar&rsquo;. The words were heard by several witnesses. However, the motive has not been confirmed and the investigation will have to determine this.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Police discovered gas cannisters in the boot of the vehicle. He was initially held at Saint-Pierre-d&rsquo;Oleron police station and was expected to be transferred to a more secure facility on the mainland. Authorities confirmed the suspect was not on any anti-terrorism files, and France&rsquo;s anti-terrorism prosecutor is not leading the investigation at this stage.</p>
<h2>Political Fallout</h2>
<p>The incident has sparked outrage within the National Rally (RN). Party MP Sebastien Chenu said in the National Assembly, &ldquo;There is an urgent need to define what Islamism is. The suspect shouted Allahu Akbar when he was arrested.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The investigation continues as authorities assess whether the attack was motivated by terrorism or other factors.</p>