Law enforcement authorities in France arrested nearly 200 people Wednesday night after angry protesters took to the streets over the killing of a 17-year-old boy who allegedly refused to comply with a traffic stop.
In several towns throughout the country, hundreds of people took to the streets to protest the killing of a delivery driver identified as Nael M. June 27 during a traffic stop, CBS News reported. Crowds allegedly targeted police stations, town halls, schools and methods of public transportation over the killing with police cars and buildings set ablaze by the mob, leading to the arrest of 180 alleged participants, the outlet stated.
Police stations, town halls and schools were set alight across France on Wednesday, the second night of protests following the fatal police shooting of a teenage boy that was captured on video.
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“This wasn’t about a small protest. It was about a small group of people deciding to attack the symbols of the republic,” French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stated Thursday, revealing that 170 police officers had been injured in the violence. Vowing to restore “justice, calm and freedom,” Darmanin promised to deploy 40,000 police officers around the country in anticipation of more violence.
Protesters have alleged the killing was fueled by racist sentiment. “Many young people in the suburbs, in the poorest neighborhoods, those whose parents in Paris are immigrants (from) Africa, the Caribbean and also Asia, know they are the first target of police brutality,” French journalist Rokhaya Diallo told CNN. “Many of them express concerns about racism, about police brutality — it’s something that really comes to them at an early age.” (RELATED: Defund The Police Movement To Blame For Increased Murders Of Black Americans, Experts Say)
Though French President Emmanuel Macron called the killing of Nael “inexplicable and inexcusable” he stood by the nation’s police force as a whole, commending them for their commitment to “protecting” and “serving” the people of France. Macron further urged for “respect and calm” as the investigation into the killing continues.
“The professionals of disorder must go home. I want everyone to know that, tonight, public order will be restored, Darmanin cautioned, according to CBS News.
The officer responsible for the alleged shooting has been detained and is facing potential charges of manslaughter pending the results of an investigation. The police chief in Nanterre, where the incident took place, has publicly stated the use of a weapon against Nael was not justified, though another investigation is underway to determine why the teen refused to comply with the order to stop, CBS News reported.