Forget the Hyper Cacher? Macron: The Islamophobic attack - "the first time French people are attacked because of their religion"

French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy by calling the Islamophobic shooting in the Paris suburbs 'the first time' French people are attacked because of their religion. Critics recalled past attacks against Jews and Christians, including the 2015 Hyper Cacher attack and the 2016 murder of Father Jacques Hamel. Macron later backtracked on his remarks.

French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy when he referred to the Islamophobic shooting in the Paris suburbs as 'the first time a targeted attack against French citizens because of their race or religion.' The shooter, a far-right extremist, fired at passersby with dark skin, killing one person and wounding several others, including a 12-year-old girl. Macron declared it a planned terrorist act to kill based on skin color or religion. Jonathan Arfi, president of the CRIF (umbrella organization of French Jews), called on Macron to backtrack, recalling past victims: Father Jacques Hamel (2016), the four victims at the Hyper Cacher (2015), and the three victims at the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Nice (2020). Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally party, also criticized him. Following the backlash, Macron backtracked and acknowledged past attacks against Christians and Jews.

Forget the Hyper Cacher? Macron: The Islamophobic attack - "the first time French people are attacked because of their religion"