While Bigot noted a French Jewish security report indicating the number of anti-Semitic attacks were at the lowest point in a decade, he added that "today's event completely changes the picture and it shows that it is an everlasting fight against these mad and barbaric people."

Security authorities in France's Interior Ministry and the security counterparts in the United States immediately heightened security measures around Jewish schools, community centers and synagogues, fearing what a New York security official said were potential copycat attacks.

Police and Jewish volunteer guards are stationed at Toulouse's three Jewish schools and 12 synagogues, the Haaretz daily said.