17-year-old driver fatally shot by police after refusing commands and attempting to flee, Euronews reports.
Violent clashes, torched vehicles, over 30 arrests, and more than 30 injured officers—a result of public anger in Nanterre, a Paris suburb.
The unrest erupted in response to a tragic incident that occurred the previous morning. A police patrol had stopped a vehicle for a routine check, but when the driver refused to comply with orders and attempted to escape, one officer resorted to using their firearm, resulting in the driver's death. Disturbing footage of the incident circulated on social media. The 17-year-old teenager was already known to the police for multiple cases of non-compliance with orders and driving without a license.
Two separate investigations have been launched: one for the driver's refusal to comply and attempted murder of a government representative, and the other regarding the officer's intentional use of deadly force. In an effort to prevent further violence, around 2,000 police and gendarmerie officers will be mobilized in the Paris suburbs, particularly in the O-de-Sen department.
The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has called for calm and emphasized the importance of a thorough and truthful investigation. Several celebrities, including footballer Kylian Mbappé, have expressed their condolences and concerns on social media. France witnessed a record number of 13 deaths in 2022 as a result of drivers refusing inspections during roadside checks.
Comments (0)