Recap: France’s ‘Apocalyptic’ Riots in Six Days

Mobs of French Rioters Cause Havoc in Response to “France’s George Floyd Moment”

In late June through early July, mobs of French rioters, mostly teenagers, took to the streets, unleashing chaos in response to perceived “police violence.” The riots resulted in over $1 billion in damages to French businesses as cities across the country burned.

Rioters wreaked havoc from Paris to Roubaix in the north and Marseilles in the south. Over a six-day period, approximately 45,000 police officers were deployed to combat the mobs, resulting in the arrest of over 3,600 individuals, including more than 1,500 minors. French President Emmanuel Macron accused these minors of using social media apps to organize the riots.

Here’s a timeline of how the riots unfolded and the current state of affairs in France after six days of destruction.

June 27: Nahel Merzouk Killed

Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of Moroccan and Algerian descent, was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked outrage among many French citizens who believe the country suffers from social inequities and institutional racism. The government, however, denies any systemic racism or discrimination by law enforcement.

Initially, the police claimed that Merzouk’s actions endangered the lives of the officers, justifying the use of force. However, video evidence contradicts this version of events, according to Yassine Bouzrou, the lawyer representing Merzouk’s family.

Merzouk’s mother, Mounia, expressed her anger towards the officer, accusing him of targeting her son because of his race. She stated, “A police officer cannot take his gun and fire at our children, take our children’s lives.”

June 27-28: Riots Begin

Following Merzouk’s death, violent riots erupted in Paris and its surrounding suburbs. Rioters set fire to various structures, including trash cans, cars, and buildings, while clashing with the police. The first night of rioting resulted in 24 injured police officers and 31 arrests. In Viry-Châtillon, a suburb east of Paris, a group of young people set a bus ablaze, while rioters in Mantes-la-Jolie, northwest of Paris, set fire to a town hall.

June 29: Stores Looted, Arrests Ramp Up

The French government deployed 40,000 police officers across the country as mobs looted stores and continued rioting. Retail stores, including Nike and Zara in Paris, were vandalized and looted, leading to several arrests. Rioters also damaged numerous stores on a famous shopping street by breaking windows. In an eastern suburb of Paris, hundreds of teenagers ravaged a pharmacy and a McDonald’s.

June 30 – July 2: Violence Intensifies

On June 30, dozens of police officers in Lyon were injured, some by gunfire, prompting the mayor to request reinforcements. Other cities experienced scenes of apocalyptic rioting. In Marseille, around 30 young people broke into a gun store and stole hunting rifles. Violence continued on July 1 when a man died after being hit by a “flash ball” projectile. Rioters also targeted a suburban mayor’s home, setting it on fire.

July 3-8: Riots End, But Protesters Defy Government Orders

While arrests decreased, some demonstrators called for a return to order. However, protesters continued to defy the government ban on protests in Paris, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. Demonstrations in other cities, such as Marseille and Lille, were also banned or relocated. The French government banned the sale, possession, and transport of fireworks in preparation for Bastille Day festivities.

President Macron expressed sympathy for the anger surrounding Merzouk’s killing but rebuked the rioters, attributing much of the destruction to young people being influenced and organized through social media apps like TikTok. The French government has promised assistance to affected businesses, pledging to help them recover and resume economic activity as quickly as possible.

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