French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on Saturday announced the mobilisation of 45,000 police officers who will be deployed across France Saturday night. More than 2,000 people nationwide have been arrested for rioting over the killing of teenager Nahel M. by police, the interior ministry said Sunday. The victim was buried Saturday in his hometown of Nanterre where family and friends gathered to mourn. Follow our blog to see how the day's events unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).
- The 17-year-old victim, identified only as Nahel M., was shot at point-blank range by a police officer on Tuesday morning in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. He was driving a yellow Mercedes when he was pulled over for traffic violations.
- Police initially reported that he was shot after driving his car at police, but this was contradicted by a video that rapidly went viral across social media and was later authenticated by AFP. The footage shows the two policemen standing by the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver. A voice is heard saying, "You are going to get a bullet in the head." The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off before gradually coming to a stop.
- The incident has sparked four nights of violent unrest in the capital and cities across France that have seen protesters clash with police.
