PARIS — French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has come under scrutiny for his delayed response following the fatal stabbing of Aboubakar Cissé, a 23-year-old Malian national, at a mosque in southern France on April 28, 2025. Cissé was reportedly attacked while worshipping, suffering multiple stab wounds inflicted by an assailant who allegedly filmed the attack and shouted derogatory remarks regarding Islam.

Retailleau, while attending two campaign events after the incident, issued a statement on social media approximately six hours later, expressing his solidarity with the Muslim community.

His visit to the site of the attack occurred two days later, on April 30, where he met with local investigators and community religious leaders in La Grande-Combe.

Critics have noted that Retailleau's response time was notably longer compared to his reactions to previous violent incidents.

For instance, less than a day before the mosque attack, he promptly visited Nantes following a stabbing at a high school where a 15-year-old student was fatally attacked.

The rapidity of his response in that case was within seven hours.

In addressing the criticisms concerning his delayed visit to the mosque, Retailleau pointed to ongoing investigations and uncertainties surrounding the case.

His statements countering accusations of political exploitation of such tragedies have seen mixed reactions; he described these allegations as shameful.

Critics argue that the perceived lack of urgency reflects a double standard in how incidents involving the Muslim community are addressed.

Government spokesperson Sophie Primas attempted to dampen these claims at a press conference, stating the government’s commitment to tackling all forms of violence.

Ludovic Mendes, a member of the National Assembly from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, voiced concerns over the apparent disparity in response times.

He remarked that such delays might signal to the Muslim community that they are less valued within French society.

Rising anti-Muslim hate crimes, reportedly increasing by 72% in the early months of 2025 compared to the previous year, also underscore the context of these events.

Adding to the minister’s challenges, internal party members, including Xavier Bertrand, the conservative president of the Hauts-de-France region, expressed disappointment over Retailleau's response, stating urgency in combating acts of violence against Muslims is vital.

The suspect in the mosque attack has been identified but fled the scene and remained at large for three days before surrendering to authorities in Italy on May 1. Prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini indicated that while a hate-motivated crime is the main line of inquiry, all possibilities are still being scrutinized.

The suspect's legal counsel in Italy has stated that their client did not express any anti-Islam sentiments and described him as confused regarding the allegations.

As the investigation continues, the incident raises significant concerns about the treatment of Muslims in France and the government's handling of violence against this community.