He refused the check and then struck. In the Franc-Moisin district of Saint-Denis, a routine check conducted by the national police degenerated into a violent altercation. A man, known for similar offenses, attacked the officers after verbally provoking them. Two officers were injured, one in the face, the other more lightly, while the attacker—also injured—was taken into custody.
A neighborhood under tension, a scene before everyone's eyes
The arrest took place in broad daylight, in front of witnesses. Some filmed the scene, which was widely shared on social media. It shows the police officers attempting to restrain the individual, who was clearly determined to avoid any checks. Tensions escalated, one of the officers was violently beaten, and the others used tear gas. The result: a five-day temporary incapacity for work for the officer injured in the eye and nose, two for another, and six for the arrested individual. The footage sparked outrage among police unions and right-wing political figures, who denounced daily violence against law enforcement and pointed to a climate of growing tension in the run-up to the Olympic Games. A rally is planned for June 5, initiated by the UN2TÉ union, to demand more staff in the department.
