Paris prosecutors opened an attempted murder investigation Sunday after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at security forces during a demonstration in the French capital. Prosecutors said explosive projectiles targeted about 15 gendarmes and police officers. Photographs and video showed an incendiary device exploding at a gendarme's feet and setting his protective equipment alight.
Prosecutors said reported injuries included second-degree burns and tinnitus, although those details remained provisional. No suspects have been arrested over the attack, and investigators were still establishing the number and severity of injuries. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the attack as an attempted murder.
The attack took place at Porte de Charenton, where Saturday's march ended. The protests focused on high living costs and government policies.
France reported 779 arrests during nationwide protests and Halloween night combined. Paris prosecutors separately reported 105 arrests in the capital: 88 linked to the demonstrations and 17 to Halloween night. They said 89 people remained in custody, including at least 22 minors. The nationwide arrest total was below the 1,314 recorded during the previous Saturday and the 2,628 on October 17, when widespread rioting and looting broke out. Authorities had increased security ahead of Halloween amid online calls for violence.