A French police officer, aged 35, was arrested on suspicion of following a violent radical far-right ideology and planning terrorist attacks against the state, sources told AFP on Thursday. The man was apprehended on a street on August 23 and has since been placed in detention pending trial.
Confirming an initial report by TF1/LCI broadcaster, a judicial source indicated that the officer is also accused of manufacturing weapons. According to media reports, he allegedly plotted violent strikes against national interests and produced 3D-printed arms among other offenses.
The officer faces multiple charges, including preparing a terrorist act, unauthorized manufacture or trade of weapons linked to a terrorist organization, and unlawful weapon possession. He is additionally charged with inciting terrorism via social media platforms.
Legal representatives for the officer did not respond to requests for comment as of Thursday evening. The arrest follows recent scrutiny of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, which recently expelled another policeman after body-camera footage surfaced showing him making racist remarks. RN leader Marine Le Pen is aiming to win the presidency in next year’s elections, having worked to broaden the appeal of the anti-immigration party founded by her father.
3D-printed weapons are scary enough without insider access. I wonder if this links to the broader far-right surge in France right now?
Another police officer? This deep state infiltration is terrifying. How many more are there hiding in uniform?