Demonstration of October 31: An investigation opened for “attempted homicide” after the throwing of a Molotov cocktail

The Minister of the Interior on Saturday described this gesture as “attempted murder”. An investigation was finally opened for “attempted homicide of persons holding public authority” after the throwing of a Molotov cocktail at gendarmes in Paris during the demonstrations of October 31, the prosecution indicated late Sunday morning.

On the sidelines of the Paris demonstration, spectacular images showed a homemade bomb exploding at the feet of a member of the Porte de Charenton security forces, slightly injuring him. “Throws of explosive objects targeted around fifteen gendarmes as well as police officers,” details the prosecution. The investigation was entrusted to the Paris Territorial Security.

No arrests yet

A “census of the injured is underway”, specifies the public prosecutor. “The injuries caused would be second-degree burns and tinnitus, but this situation needs to be clarified.” “First complaints will be filed today, none have been filed at this stage,” adds the prosecution.

No accused “has been arrested at this stage for the facts in question” and “investigations are continuing to identify the perpetrators”, concludes the prosecution on this subject. The gendarme hit by the Molotov cocktail testified to the news channels about the burn he felt, the “itching skin”, the “rain” of various projectiles thrown against his unit by a “determined” group. Presidential election candidates Marine Le Pen (National Rally) and Bruno Retailleau (Les Républicains) denounced on Saturday an “unbearable” gesture after the broadcast of these images.

89 people in police custody in Paris

Furthermore, the Paris prosecutor's office reported 105 arrests on Sunday, including 88 linked to Saturday's demonstrations and 17 for Halloween night. The public prosecutor, requested by AFP, counts 89 people in police custody in Paris, including 61 adults and 22 minors. The date of birth remains to be determined for six other people.

For adults, these mainly concern “participation in a group with the aim of committing violence or damage”, “carrying a category D weapon (such as daggers or brass knuckles, editor’s note)” and “possession/transport of an incendiary or explosive substance or product”.