As he began his attack, the 37-year-old was heard shouting, “Allahu akbar,” according to France’s antiterrorism police. The Arabic phrase, meaning “God is great,” is an everyday expression used in religious and nonreligious settings alike, but has also become a war cry in some terrorist attacks by Islamic fundamentalists.

French anti-terrorism prosecutors say a knife attack in eastern France has left one dead and at least two wounded.

The attacker, an Algerian male, was on a terror prevention watchlist and under judicial supervision, according to the anti-terrorism prosecution office.