Clashes in Paris Suburb After Homicide Investigation Opens Following Police Killing of 17-Year-Old

The June 27 shooting occurred in Nanterre, a municipality in the western suburbs of Paris. It sparked clashes between protesters and police, with at least one building set on fire. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on June 28 that 31 people had been arrested and 40 cars were burned in the clashes. He also called for calm and said an investigation into the shooting had been launched. Video footage of the incident showed two police officers beside a Mercedes AMG, with one of them firing at the driver as they pulled away.

The 17-year-old driver, of Algerian origin, died from his wounds. In response to the tragedy, French actor Omar Sy expressed his support for the family of the victim on Twitter and called for “justice to honour the memory of this child”. Paris Saint-Germain footballer Kylian Mpabbe tweeted heartbreak emojis and wrote “I’m hurting for my France. An unacceptable situation.” Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. According to a Reuters tally, in 2022 a record 13 people were killed in police shootings during traffic stops, compared to three in 2021 and two in 2020. Most of the victims were Black or of Arab origin. In response to the tragedy, Mr. Darmanin said that the police officer involved in the shooting would be suspended from his function if the charges against him are upheld. He also said that some 2,000 police have been mobilised in the region. It is clear that the French government must take action to ensure that such tragedies do not continue to occur in the future. The truth needs to be told and justice must be done.