He further said that there is also a strong representation of the “fraternal” movement which is associated with the Muslim Brotherhood — the Union of Islamic Organizations of France (UOIF) which is very tightly entrenched in the city.
“Islamic radicalism is very strongly represented in Nice. The investigation should continue to establish with what sphere he [the attacker] was connected,” the deputy said.
He further mentioned that this attack shows political issues of the country as well. In the coming days questions regarding compromise and even deals with jihadists may arise, pointing fingers at a weak response to Islamists operating in the country.
“Unfortunately, in my opinion, we are a country in which the punch can be easily applied from the inside using people who live next to us, that is apparently what happened in this case with this terrorist,” Verdon stressed.
On July 14, 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel of Tunisian origin drove a truck through a crowd watching the Bastille Day fireworks, killing at least 84 and injuring over 100. President Francois Hollande described the incident as an "undeniable" terrorist attack.
No terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
