Paris is reeling from over 24 hours of relentless rioting, with reports of widespread violence and looting transforming parts of the city into what some describe as a “war zone”.
Social media posts circulating claim that migrant gangs are driving the unrest, targeting police, assaulting civilians, and looting businesses, though authorities have not officially confirmed these groups as the sole perpetrators.
The disturbances reportedly began Saturday evening, with clashes erupting along the Champs-Élysées and other key areas.
Videos shared online show fires, smashed shopfronts, and riot police deploying tear gas and water cannons to control crowds.
The French Interior Ministry reported 559 arrests, including 491 in Paris, and 192 injuries overnight, with no clear indication of when the violence might subside.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the chaos, stating, “Barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke the police. This is unbearable.”
Authorities have vowed a strong response, with an increased police and military presence planned for Sunday evening. A scheduled Paris Saint-Germain trophy parade is set to proceed under heavy security.
The unrest has fuelled heated debates online, with some commentators attributing the violence to broader issues of immigration and social integration, though these claims remain unverified by official sources.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo urged calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address underlying tensions.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to avoid affected areas, and investigations into the causes of the riots continue.
Paris right now looks like a literal war zone.
— Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) June 1, 2025
Migrant gangs have been rioting NONSTOP for over a day now, and it seems they won’t back down any time soon!
France has been taken over by barbarians.
pic.twitter.com/wTy4wYW1HA
