Man carrying knife detained in Forbach church after searching for priest

Intervention at Saint-Rémi church

Police officers in the Moselle department detained a 35-year-old man on Tuesday inside Saint-Rémi church, located in the centre of Forbach. The intervention began after parents of 14-year-old schoolgirls attending a nearby middle school alerted law enforcement. The students had overheard the individual shouting religious phrases, specifically "Allah Akbar", multiple times in the street while visibly seeking out the parish priest. Officers entered the church shortly afterward and arrested the man without any resistance.

Archpriest Laurent Pidolle, the curé of Forbach, was present in the building and observed the apprehension, noting that the arrest unfolded calmly.

There was no assault, no violence, and no damage in the church.

Pidolle also noted that the man was a stranger to the parish community, confirming he had never seen him before.

Weapons discovery and custody charges

Upon searching the detainee, police discovered an Opinel pocketknife in his possession. Sarreguemines public prosecutor Olivier Glady stated in a press release that the knife had remained concealed and was not brandished or exhibited at any moment during the episode. In addition to the weapon, officers found a small amount of cannabis resin on the individual.

The suspect was transported directly to the Forbach police station. Investigators placed him in police custody on allegations of advocating terrorism (apologie du terrorisme), carrying a weapon, and narcotics consumption. Glady noted that the period of custody would be formally extended in the early afternoon on Wednesday to allow investigators to deepen their inquiry.

Background check and home search

Judicial authorities conducted a search at the residence of the suspect's mother in Stiring-Wendel, where the 35-year-old man lives. The prosecutor confirmed that the suspect was born in 1991 in the former Yugoslavia. Background checks revealed that the individual was entirely unknown to the Territorial Intelligence services (Renseignements Territoriaux) and was not listed on France's "fiche S" national security watchlist.

A review of judicial records indicated that the man has two prior entries on his criminal record. Glady specified that neither of those previous convictions had any connection to terrorism or actions compromising the interests of the state. Current investigative efforts are focused on evaluating the man's psychiatric profile as well as examining his religious environment.

Civic reactions and regional context

Alexandre Cassaro, the right-wing mayor of Forbach, issued a statement on Facebook strongly condemning the actions. Cassaro praised the 14-year-old students for their courage and presence of mind in alerting their families, while commending the rapid response of the municipal police forces. The mayor extended total support to Archpriest Pidolle, the parish clergy, and the wider Catholic community affected by the event.

The arrest in Moselle comes several weeks ahead of an upcoming visit by Pope Leo XIV to the region. The pontiff is scheduled to travel to the neighbouring city of Metz on 28 September 2026.