On Wednesday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin urged for calm following a night of violent protests triggered by the death of a teenager at the hands of police in a Paris suburb.

During a press conference, Darmanin expressed the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident while respecting the judicial process.

The unfortunate event occurred on Tuesday morning in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, where a 17-year-old driver was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic check, ABC News reported.

The officer involved has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter, and both the local prosecutor’s office and France’s Inspectorate General of the National Police are conducting investigations into the shooting.

The victim’s family’s lawyers have identified the teenager as Nael M., aged 17, and announced their intention to file complaints against the officer who fired the lethal shot and another officer present at the scene.

Nael’s mother has taken to social media, calling for people to join her in a march in Nanterre on Thursday, appealing for support in seeking justice for her son.

The teenager’s tragic death ignited unrest in Nanterre and other areas outside of Paris on Tuesday night. Protesters clashed with riot police, and numerous vehicles and buildings were set ablaze.

While the tension was particularly high in Nanterre, a town hall in Mantes-la-Jolie, located about 25 miles northwest, was also set on fire.

Written by staff