France arrests far‑right policeman suspected of plotting terrorist attack and making 3D‑printed weapons

Paris, September 18 — French authorities have apprehended a 35-year-old policeman on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack and manufacturing 3D-printed weapons, according to sources speaking with AFP. The individual is believed to follow a "violent radical far-right ideology," according to judicial sources. The officer was reportedly apprehended on August 23 while on duty and is currently in detention pending trial.

According to broadcaster TF1/LCI, the policeman is accused of planning violent attacks against state interests and manufacturing 3D-printed weapons, among other crimes. Charges against him also include incitement to terrorism through social media. The police officer's legal representatives have not yet responded to AFP inquiries.

This arrest follows the recent expulsion of another policeman from France's far-right National Rally (RN) party. The dismissed officer was recorded making racist comments on body camera footage, leading to widespread outrage. RN leader Marine Le Pen, who is seeking the presidency in the upcoming elections, has expressed a desire to make her party more inclusive after years of emphasizing anti-immigration policies.