Protests in France Result in Over 135 Arrests Amid Major NFL Event
The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, reported at least 135 arrests during recent protests across France on Saturday. These demonstrations filled the streets of Paris ahead of the NFL’s much-anticipated game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.
Approximately 70,000 police officers, including elite anti-terrorism units, were deployed to prevent a recurrence of the previous weekend’s unrest. This unrest, marked by looting, clashes, and fires, stemmed from youth-led dissent across southern and western Europe. Thousands of French protesters expressed anger over rising living costs and educational funding, which escalated into violent incidents and looting in the worst turmoil the country has seen in decades.
Authorities in France implemented broad measures, including banning certain public gatherings and imposing curfews. Officials attributed the escalations to far-left organizations, anti-government factions, and “criminals” who agitated student and trade union-led protests.
The protests followed a drive-by shooting on the outskirts of Paris on Friday, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The incident was labeled a racially motivated terror attack. A suspect, aged 39, was arrested in Coignières.
Clashes Spread Nationwide
In Paris alone, over 100,000 people participated in protests, according to the police. Arrest figures include only those detained before 1 p.m. local time, based on reports from the Interior Minister. Law enforcement used force after confiscating potential weapons, including finding a person carrying a pistol in Bordeaux. In the southeastern Isère region, officials seized mortars, Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and iron bars.
Law enforcement in Lyon reported that masked or hooded individuals confronted security forces with iron pellets, leading to the use of tear gas against those “preparing to commit acts of violence.” In Grenoble, nearly 400 masked demonstrators vandalized areas and attacked police, prompting intervention to restore order.
Authorities in Nantes utilized tear gas and water cannons to repel protests trying to breach barricades. Similar chemical agents were used in Marseille and Nice, based on Le Parisien’s reporting. In Orléans, law enforcement trained in urban warfare management was called after a protest against a far-right National Rally event threatened stability, as reported by Euronews.
Steelers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Addresses Concerns
The U.S. embassy in Paris advised Americans in the city for Sunday’s NFL match to steer clear of large crowds and remain vigilant. The game between the Steelers and the Saints will take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The NFL assured that increased security measures are in place. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated that organizers remain “alert to what’s going on.”
President Donald Trump, when asked about safety concerns, mentioned, “I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match because France is really in trouble.” In response, the NFL shut down the “NFL House” pop-up on Saturday, referencing “accessibility issues.”
NFL fan Nick Paiva expressed disappointment over the closures, having anticipated viewing the Lombardi Trophy. Also, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to discuss the game and the league’s future in France.