Macron Condemns Fatal Police Shooting in France and Calls for Calm

"Unexplainable and Unforgivable": President Macron Condemns Fatal Police Shooting of 17-Year-Old in France

French President Macron has condemned the deadly shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer during a traffic stop. At the same time, Macron called for calm following the riots. The victim's mother has called for a march in mourning.

President Macron Expresses Solidarity and Urges Calm Amid Protests Over Police Shooting

In France, President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old near Paris. "We have a young person who was killed, and this is unexplainable and unforgivable," he stated during a visit to Marseille. "Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies the death of a young person."

Macron expressed solidarity and compassion to the victim's family on behalf of the entire nation. He emphasized the need for the justice system to carry out its work calmly and for the truth to be revealed as soon as possible. Macron defended the police, stating that they protect citizens and uphold the laws of the republic.

Video Evidence Surfaces of Fatal Police Shooting During Traffic Stop

A video has emerged showing the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M. during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. Initially, the police claimed that the car had approached two motorcycle officers near the La Défense business district. However, the video, verified by multiple media outlets, depicted two police officers stopping the vehicle for a routine check. One of the officers aimed his weapon at the driver through the car window and fired at close range when the car suddenly accelerated.

The vehicle crashed into a post a few meters away. The 17-year-old died shortly thereafter despite resuscitation efforts by emergency services due to a gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigation Launched Against Officer in Fatal Shooting

The 38-year-old police officer involved in the incident has been placed in custody. He is now being internally investigated on suspicion of intentional homicide. The victim's family lawyers have also filed a complaint against the officer. They clarified that Nahel M. had no prior criminal record and was, in fact, a popular pizza delivery driver in the neighborhood.

The mother of the deceased also spoke out on social media, calling for a memorial march in front of the prefecture in Nanterre on Thursday afternoon. In a video posted on TikTok, she described it as a revolt for her son.

Following the fatal traffic stop, protests and violent clashes between residents and police occurred in Nanterre and other Parisian suburbs during the night. The authorities deployed an additional 2,000 security forces to the Paris suburbs on Wednesday evening.