• At least nine pig heads discovered outside mosques in Paris and suburbs.
• French President Emmanuel Macron's name scrawled on some heads.
• Suspects identified as foreign nationals who fled after the incident.

French authorities opened an investigation after pig heads were found outside at least nine mosques in and around Paris, an act condemned as "despicable" amidst rising anti-Muslim sentiment. Police chief Laurent Nunez confirmed that pig heads were placed outside four mosques in Paris and five in nearby suburbs, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing investigation into these hate crimes, which could see further discoveries.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the acts as "outrageous" and "absolutely unacceptable," stating, "I want our Muslim compatriots to be able to practice their faith in peace." Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, characterized the incidents as a "new and sad stage in the rise of anti-Muslim hatred," reflecting a concerning trend of religious intolerance in the country.

The investigation progressed with reports indicating that the pig heads had been placed by foreign nationals who quickly fled France after the act. Authorities are considering the possibility of "foreign interference" in light of the incident's coordination, as revealed by evidence gathered including video surveillance showing the suspects arriving and departing from the scene.

The attack has intensified fears among the Muslim community in France, which faces increasing hostility. Reports indicate that anti-Muslim crimes have surged significantly since January, with incidents against worshippers becoming alarmingly more frequent. Political leaders across France expressed solidarity with the victims, calling for immediate action to combat such acts of intolerance.