US Embassy Warns Americans to Avoid French Cities Amid Riots and Curfews
US Embassy advises Americans to avoid French cities amid violent riots and curfews as tensions escalate.
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Violent riots have swept across France, prompting partial curfews in multiple cities and turning streets into ‘war zones.’ The US Embassy has issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to avoid demonstration areas and exercise caution in the event of large gatherings.
Following the October 17 riots, the Prime Minister’s office introduced partial curfews for Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, in several cities, including Lille. More curfews may follow for parts of Paris and in prefectures across the country, with scattered protests expected to continue.
In Paris, overnight curfews and bans on unauthorized gatherings were imposed in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Riot police used tear gas near Place de la République as crowds clashed with officers amid burning barricades and vehicles.
A Dutch visitor, Tije De Boer, who was forced to evacuate his hotel with his children, described the scene as ‘like a war zone.’ Protesters blocked entrances to the Louvre on Monday, forcing the museum to close. Travelers were also advised to stay away from Place de la Bastille, Place de la Nation, and major routes such as Boulevard Voltaire.
Outside Paris, Lyon’s tourism office at Place Bellecour was vandalized and set on fire. In Bordeaux, the mayor reported as many as 100 stores were looted. In Limoges, the historic 19th-century town hall was largely destroyed by arson during the riots.
I went to witness the riots in Paris.
A known ultra-left activist on France’s terror watchlist was later arrested as the main suspect. Interior Ministry figures put nationwide participation in the original marches at roughly 550,000 people, including about 110,000 in Paris. More than 2,000–2,500 people were arrested, and nearly 1,000 security and emergency personnel were injured. France deployed tens of thousands of police.
Other countries, including China, Germany, Italy, and several others, issued similar warnings to their citizens. The State Department’s overall France travel advisory remains at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism and unrest.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
