“Presently it is premature to assess his motivations,” Bonnet-Mathis said, reiterating that there was no indication yet that terrorism was the assailant’s motivation.
BFM television said the suspect was being held in solitary confinement at Aiton prison in the region of Savoie, about 80km from Annecy.
The suspect was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago, having arrived from Turkey. The prosecutor said the man was believed to be married with a young child.
He entered France in October 2022, having travelled through Italy and Switzerland, she said, adding that he had no police record in France and was thought to be homeless.
His request for asylum in France was refused on the grounds that Sweden had already approved one.
Witnesses told investigators that they heard the suspect call out for “his wife, his daughter” and shouted “Jesus Christ”, the prosecutor added.
On his arrest, police found a folding knife, two Christian faith images, a cross as well as cash and a Swedish drivers’ licence.
Source: CNA
