The National Rally has suspended a chief brigadier of the Carcassonne municipal police from his duties within its security service, following the revelation of racist, misogynistic, conspiratorial and putschist remarks made during a patrol in November 2025. The case, revealed by Midi Libre this week , has provoked a wave of political reactions and a judicial investigation is underway.
The police officer, a former soldier in his fifties, had unintentionally left his body camera on for nearly six hours on patrol. The recordings reveal a series of particularly violent remarks, targeting people of North African or African origin, as well as women and various minorities. A colleague also participates in some of the exchanges.
The National Rally promises an "exemplary punishment"
The man also assisted the Department of Protection and Security, the National Rally's security service, and had notably participated in party events. Following the release of the footage, the National Rally leadership announced his suspension from this service. On BFMTV, MP Laurent Jacobelli said he was "outraged" and stated that the police officer should be removed from his municipal duties and expelled from the party.
On the left, the reactions were immediate. Carole Delga said she was "disgusted" and demanded sanctions, while Olivier Faure called for not "handing the keys to France to the RN" in 2027. Antoine Léaument directly challenged Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, and Jérôme Guedj called for the suspension of the municipal police officer's accreditation.
A judicial investigation has already been opened.
The Carcassonne public prosecutor's office opened an investigation in January 2026, after the images were discovered. The town hall also launched an administrative inquiry in the fall of 2025. The investigations will notably have to determine individual responsibilities and any potential criminal or disciplinary consequences.
The affair has also placed the National Rally mayor of Carcassonne, Christophe Barthès, under intense political pressure. Several left-wing leaders criticize him for not having reacted publicly sooner, while the National Rally is now seeking to quickly sever ties with the implicated chief brigadier. Marine Le Pen's party, which strongly condemns the recorded statements, is attempting to contain a controversy that has become a national issue.
