PARIS — France has mobilized tens of thousands of police officers in an effort to head off widespread urban rioting following the deadly police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M. that shocked the nation.
The office of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 45,000 police officers were again deployed Sunday night in the streets to counter anger over discrimination against people who trace their roots to former French colonies and live in low-income neighborhoods. Nahel is of Algerian descent and was shot in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
According to the statement from the U.S. Embassy in Paris, U.S. citizens should continue to avoid mass gatherings and areas of significant police activity as they can turn violent and result in clashes.
Some cities continue to impose curfews. As always, it is a good practice to notify friends or family of your whereabouts. Note that public transportation is being affected.
President Emmanuel Macron held a special security meeting Sunday night and plans to meet Monday with the heads of both houses of parliament and Tuesday with the mayors of 220 towns and cities affected by the protests, said a participant in the meeting, who spoke anonymously in line with French government practices. Macron also wants to start a detailed, longer-term assessment of the reasons that led to the unrest, the official said.
Highlighting the seriousness of the rioting, Macron has delayed what would have been the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 23 years, which had been scheduled to start Sunday evening.
The interior ministry said police made 49 arrests nationwide Sunday, French media reported, down significantly from 719 arrests the day before. More than 3,000 people have been detained overall following a mass security deployment. Hundreds of police and firefighters have been injured in the violence, although authorities haven’t said how many protesters have been hurt.
French authorities were appalled on Sunday after a burning car struck the home of the mayor of the Paris suburb of L’Hay-les-Roses. Several police stations and town halls have been targeted by fires or vandalism in recent days, but such a personal attack on a mayor’s home is unusual.
Mayor Vincent Jeanbrun said his wife and one of his children were injured in the 1:30 a.m. attack while they slept and he was in the town hall monitoring the violence. Jeanbrun, of the conservative opposition Republicans party, said the attack represented a new stage of “horror and ignominy” in the unrest.
The U.S. Embassy suggested actions to take:
- Avoid demonstrations and protest activity
- Avoid areas with significant police activity
- If unavoidable, protect yourself/find shelter
- Follow the advice of police and local authorities
- Monitor local media for updates
- Be aware of your surroundings
U.S. citizens may monitor English-language French media at the following:
Assistance:
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
[email protected]
U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
[email protected]
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
France Country Specific Information
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