French authorities opened an attempted murder investigation on November 1, 2026, after a petrol bomb set a police officer's protective clothing on fire during Paris protests. The attack came amid nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs, with 779 arrests reported across France.

Paris Petrol Bomb Attack Leaves Officer Injured

Violence erupted in Paris on October 31 as thousands of demonstrators gathered for the third consecutive weekend of protests against rising living costs and inequality.

During clashes near Porte de Charenton, a Molotov cocktail exploded at the feet of a French gendarme, setting his lower body and protective equipment on fire. Video footage captured the incident, sparking widespread concern about attacks on security personnel.

The officer escaped with relatively minor injuries despite the intense flames. He later described how bottles, paving stones and incendiary devices struck his unit. The French gendarmerie reported that 13 officers from the same unit sustained injuries.

France Attempted Murder Investigation Begins

The Paris prosecutor's office announced an investigation on November 1 into the attempted murder of public officials following the petrol bomb attack.

Prosecutors said explosive devices targeted approximately 15 gendarmes and police officers during the confrontation. Some reported injuries included second-degree burns.

At the time of the announcement, investigators had not arrested anyone specifically in connection with the firebomb incident. Authorities continued examining available footage and evidence to identify those responsible.

France Protests Over Living Costs Enter Third Weekend

France's nationwide protests continued as demonstrators expressed anger over high living expenses, inequality and government policies.

The Interior Ministry estimated that 320,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country on October 31, while trade unions reported higher attendance.

Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, groups of individuals clashed with police in several locations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the severity of violence directed at security personnel.

France Protest Arrests and Injuries Reach Hundreds

French authorities reported 779 arrests nationwide during the protests and Halloween celebrations. The Interior Ministry also recorded 159 injured law enforcement personnel.

The figures include incidents connected to both events and should not be interpreted as arrests or injuries solely from the Paris petrol bomb attack.

Approximately 20 businesses suffered damage during the unrest, according to France's Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Business representatives expressed concern about further disruption ahead of the year-end shopping season.

French Police Security Concerns Grow Ahead of Election

The violence has intensified debate over public safety and protest policing ahead of France's 2027 presidential election.

National Rally leader Marine Le Pen called for severe punishment of those responsible for the firebomb attack, while authorities continued investigating the circumstances.

The unrest presents a challenge for French officials seeking to protect peaceful demonstrations while responding to criminal violence. Investigators have yet to establish who carried out the petrol bomb attack.