Orly attacker Muslim extremist known to French authorities

French security officials have identified as a known radicalized Muslim called Ziyed B the man who Saturday grabbed a rifle from a female soldier at Orly airport near the check-in desk for Tel Aviv. She was on counter-terror patrol. They first said he shot himself dead; later, that the soldier’s comrades killed him.  The officials identified him as the shooter who earlier injured a French soldier by firing an air pistol in his face at a road check north of Paris, 30km away. After that attack, he fled in a Renault Clio, switched cars and drove to Orly. The French police believe he was not acting alone but part of a terrorist conspiracy. His father and brother were detailed for questioning.

Ziyid B was known to the police and intelligence service; he had an extensive criminal record.  French officials say the Islamic State often targets Muslim criminals with offers of “redemption” through terrorism. Orly airport was placed under terror alert. Air flights were indefinitely suspended and the terminal evacuated as police combed through the large area for explosives.

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