Lyon store looted during violence

The CEO of Snowleader, Thomas Rouault, described the looting of his company's Lyon store on rue du Président Carnot, which occurred amid broader incidents of violence and looting in the city center. He stated that he tried to contact law enforcement while the break-in was still happening, but was told to wait until Tuesday for assistance.

Response to the CEO's call for help

Rouault expressed deep frustration with the response he received from authorities, saying he was told to call back on Tuesday while the looting was still in progress. He described this as a response that left him feeling abandoned and helpless in the face of the attack.

Human and economic impact of the looting

The CEO emphasized the human and economic toll of the incident, noting that behind the store's window were employees, years of work, and investments. He argued that those who keep city centers vibrant deserve better than being told to wait for help after a break-in.

Call for state protection and military involvement

Rouault questioned the value of the state's promise of protection and asked what a merchant should do when help does not arrive in time. He suggested that if available forces are insufficient, the military might be considered within legal boundaries to help protect urban areas.

Psychological effects on employees

The CEO highlighted the psychological trauma experienced by employees, noting that while no one was killed, the looting still caused significant distress. He argued that such incidents should not be ignored until a tragedy occurs, as they represent a form of violence and destruction.

Demand for accountability and action

Rouault is now calling for explanations about how his alerts were handled, the resources used, and why the looting could not be prevented. He urged business owners, employees, entrepreneurs, and residents to collect testimonies and demand concrete commitments from the government.