Gendarme injured by Molotov cocktail

A gendarme was injured after being struck by a Molotov cocktail during a demonstration in Paris last Saturday. The injury was described as minor, affecting the gendarme’s leg, and occurred amid a larger protest that drew between 70,000 and 200,000 participants.

Demonstrator attempts to help injured gendarme

A demonstrator wearing a straw hat approached the injured gendarme with the intention of helping by extinguishing the fire. General Bertin Malhet, inspector of the mobile gendarmerie, stated that the gendarmes did not realize the man had his hand on the gendarme’s leg at the time.

Gendarmes form safety bubble

Following the attack, gendarmes formed a safety bubble around their injured colleague. The demonstrator was then moved aside and pressed against a wall. General Malhet explained that the gendarmes were in a high-stress situation and could not be certain of the man’s intentions.

Public reaction and video evidence

The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, leading to public outrage over how the civilian who tried to help was treated. General Malhet acknowledged the public’s anger but emphasized that the gendarmes were supported by military doctors and that medical teams intervened immediately.

Investigation launched

An investigation was opened for "attempted homicide against persons entrusted with public authority" following the Molotov cocktail attack. The gendarme was treated by medical teams and is recovering from the injury.

Apology and gratitude requested

General Malhet publicly thanked the demonstrator for his attempt to help and urged him to contact the gendarmerie’s website to express gratitude. The incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of civilians during protests and the actions of law enforcement in high-stress situations.

New demonstration planned

A new demonstration is expected this Thursday, November 5, focusing on issues such as the decrease in purchasing power. General Malhet acknowledged that the incident could be shocking in hindsight but emphasized the support gendarmes have received from the public, which has positively influenced their morale.