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France opens attempted murder probe after protest attack

Richard Connor with AFP, EFE
November 1, 2026

Paris prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation after a Molotov attack on police. France reported 779 arrests during nationwide protests and Halloween night, fewer than on previous weekends.

A French gendarmerie officer is attacked with a Molotov cocktail during clashes with protesters in Paris
Violence broke out during nationwide demonstrations over living costs and inequality in FranceImage: Raphaël Lafargue/abaca/picture alliance

Paris prosecutors opened an attempted murder investigation Sunday after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at security forces during a demonstration in the French capital.

Prosecutors said explosive projectiles targeted about 15 gendarmes as well as police officers. No suspects have been arrested over the attack, and investigators were still establishing the number and severity of injuries.

What happened in Paris?

The attack took place at Porte de Charenton, where Saturday's march ended. Photographs and video from the AFP news agency showed an incendiary device exploding at a gendarme's feet and setting his protective equipment alight.

Prosecutors said reported injuries included second-degree burns and tinnitus, although those details remained provisional. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the attack as an attempted murder.

How many people were arrested?

The Interior Ministry reported 779 arrests nationwide during the demonstrations and Halloween night. The figure includes both events, updating Saturday evening's provisional total of 565. Authorities said the later part of the night passed without major incidents.

Paris prosecutors separately reported 105 arrests in the capital: 88 linked to the demonstrations and 17 to Halloween night. They said 89 people remained in custody, including at least 22 minors.

A protester holds a placard calling for French President Emmanuel Macron to work in a mine and billionaires in factoriesImage: Abdul Saboor/REUTERS

The protests focused on high living costs and government policies. The ministry put nationwide turnout at 320,000, while unions estimated nearly 500,000 participants.

The nationwide arrest total was below the 1,314 recorded during the previous Saturday's mobilization and the 2,628 on October 17, when widespread rioting and looting broke out. Authorities had increased security ahead of Halloween amid online calls for violence.

Richard Connor Reporting on stories from around the world, with a particular focus on Europe — especially Germany.
Edited by:Kieran Burke
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