Paris prosecutors opened an attempted murder investigation Sunday following an attack that saw a Molotov cocktail thrown at security forces during demonstrations in the French capital. Authorities stated that explosive projectiles were directed at roughly 15 gendarmes and police officers as Saturday’s march concluded at Porte de Charenton. Visual evidence from the scene captured an incendiary device detonating near a gendarme’s feet, igniting his protective gear.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact count and severity of injuries resulting from the incident. Prosecutors noted that initial, provisional injury reports included second-degree burns and tinnitus among affected personnel. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the assault, explicitly categorizing the attack as attempted murder. As of Sunday, no suspects had been taken into custody in connection with the explosive device.
The unrest unfolded against the backdrop of nationwide demonstrations protesting high living costs, inequality, and government policies. Crowd size estimates varied significantly: the Interior Ministry reported a nationwide turnout of 320,000 participants, whereas labor unions placed the figure closer to 500,000.
Authorities had heightened security measures across the country ahead of Halloween following online calls for violence. Across France, law enforcement reported 779 total arrests encompassing both the demonstrations and Halloween night, updating an earlier provisional figure of 565 issued Saturday evening. Officials indicated that the latter hours of the night concluded without further major disturbances.
In Paris specifically, prosecutors documented 105 arrests, comprising 88 individuals linked to the protests and 17 connected to Halloween festivities. Out of that total, 89 people remained in police custody, a group that included at least 22 minors.
Despite the widespread arrests and the severity of the Paris attack, the overall figures represented a decrease compared to previous mobilizations. Authorities recorded 1,314 arrests during the prior Saturday’s demonstrations and 2,628 on October 17, when intense rioting and looting occurred.
