Teenager Arrested After Makeshift Flamethrower Attack During Student Riots in France
Footage recorded in Marseille, France, shows a 15-year-old youth using an aerosol can and lighter to spray flames into a woman's face during civil unrest. The minor was taken into custody following the incident as student protests over school conditions continue nationwide.
Video recorded on a Friday in Marseille, France, shows a violent attack on a woman during widespread student demonstrations, according to reporting by TMZ. The video captures a 15-year-old male dressed entirely in black confronting a woman at a local bus stop while holding an aerosol spray can and a lighter. In the video, the teenager ignites the spray to produce a direct stream of fire toward the woman's face.
According to reporting from TMZ citing the Daily Mail, the victim had reportedly been attempting to assist in quelling the ongoing unrest when the attack took place. After being hit by the stream of flames, the woman staggered around in confusion while attempting to extinguish the fire on her head by patting it with her hands.
Police in France apprehended the 15-year-old suspect on Friday night, as reported by the Daily Mail via TMZ. Authorities indicate that the minor could face formal criminal charges, which may include intentional violence aggravated by the use of weapons as well as attacking as part of a gang.
According to sources cited in the reporting, the teenager and other young participants went on a rampage to voice dissatisfaction with what they describe as awful conditions inside their schools. The broader wave of student unrest has reportedly lasted throughout the week across multiple locations in France. Demonstrators have allegedly engaged in property destruction, setting fires, and instances where teachers were doused with gas.
Addressing the escalating violence during a speech in Madrid, Spain, French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to the public and student groups for calm. President Macron stated that while he understands the anger and anxiety felt by the young demonstrators, violence is never the answer.
Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed the video footage or the exact extent of injuries sustained by the woman following the incident in Marseille.