Terrorist behind Nice attack a loner; not overtly religious, say neighbors
NICE, France (Fox) - The person behind the wheel of a box truck that plowed into Bastille Day revelers in Nice late Thursday was a Tunisian father of three sometimes prone to violence, but not seen by police or neighbors as a religious fanatic, according to French reports.
Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a delivery truck for a living, but rented the 19-ton Renault that he turned into a killing machine on the seaside promenade where French citizens and tourists had just watched a fireworks show. At least 84 people were killed and scores injured by what authorities called an act of terror that only ended when police shot and killed Bouhlel.
French media reported that Bouhlel, 31, was arrested in March after causing an accident when he fell asleep at the wheel of his truck.
No terror groups have taken credit for the attack, although ISIS-linked social media accounts have praised it. Al Qaeda has previously called on sympathizers to use trucks and cars to kill innocent civilians.