Protests Erupt Across France Amid NFL Event in Paris

At least 135 people were arrested in France during renewed protests on Saturday, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The streets of Paris were filled with demonstrators ahead of the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints scheduled in the city.

Approximately 70,000 police officers, including elite anti-terrorism units, were deployed nationwide. This move aimed to prevent a recurrence of the previous weekend’s chaos, which included looting, clashes, and fires. The unrest emerged from youth-led dissatisfaction, spreading across southern and western Europe.

Protesters in France opposed rising living costs and inadequate education funding. This dissatisfaction spiraled into violence, making it one of France’s worst periods of unrest in recent decades.

Authorities responded by imposing bans on certain public gatherings and instituting curfews. They attributed the escalation to far-left groups, anti-government entities, and criminals exploiting the situation. Initial protests had been driven by students and trade unions.

Saturday’s events followed a drive-by shooting in Paris’s outskirts, which resulted in one death and several injuries. Authorities described this as a racially motivated terror attack; the 39-year-old suspect was detained in Coignières.

Clashes Spread Nationwide

In Paris alone, more than 100,000 people protested on Saturday, according to police reports. Arrests were primarily made before 1 p.m. local time, with many occurring after police confiscated potential weapons from individuals, stated Nuñez.

A person in Bordeaux was stopped with a pistol, noted the Prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Gironde. In Isère, police seized mortars, Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and iron bars.

In Lyon, groups of masked individuals attacked security forces with iron pellets. In response, officials used tear gas against those preparing for violence and vandalism.

About 400 individuals vandalized Grenoble, clashing with law enforcement who intervened to restore order. Tear gas and water cannons were used in Nantes as protesters attempted to breach barriers. Chemical irritants were reportedly deployed in Marseille and Nice as well.

In Orléans, authorities deployed officers skilled in urban warfare, per Euronews. This was in response to protests against a far-right National Rally event.

Steelers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Comments on Safety

Americans visiting Paris for the NFL game on Sunday received warnings from the U.S. embassy to avoid crowded areas and be cautious. The game at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis promised extra security measures. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers assured that organizers were alert to the situation.

“This game means a lot to the NFL,” Rodgers stated. “If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.”

President Donald Trump assessed the situation, noting, “It’s looking like tomorrow is going to be a bad day in France, so you worry about it.” He suggested postponing the match due to France’s current troubles.

The NFL closed its “NFL House” pop-up location in Paris, citing accessibility issues. A fan, Nick Paiva, expressed disappointment over missing installations, including the Lombardi Trophy.

Furthermore, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to discuss the game and the future of the league in France.