Paris Protest Turns Violent as Masked Agitators Clash with Police

A peaceful protest in Paris that began as a demonstration against the high cost of living devolved into violence on Saturday, with masked rioters clashing with police who responded with tear gas and sound grenades.

The main protest in Paris started at the Porte d’Italie. Police had altered the approved route the night before, citing security concerns. The revised route led through a largely residential neighborhood on the left bank of the Seine, which featured fewer shops vulnerable to looting compared to the previous weekend's demonstrations.

Initially, the march proceeded peacefully for nearly three hours. Thousands of participants, many masked, moved through the streets. Residents from apartment buildings emerged onto their balconies to observe the procession.

However, as the initial crowd began to disperse, a new group arrived. This late-arriving contingent was characterized by covered faces, pre-worn gas masks, and a lack of protest signs, suggesting a different objective. Shortly after their arrival, loud bangs, described as sounding like gunfire, were heard, followed by several more within seconds.

Police reported that the masked rioters hurled rocks and fireworks at officers. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas and sound grenades, engulfing the streets in smoke and struggling to regain control from the agitated group. The earlier peaceful demonstration had transformed into a riot, with police attempting to push back the mob.