Far-left activist arrested over fire destroying Limoges town hall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 15:08 · Archive

A 34-year-old far-left activist on France's security watchlist has been arrested for the arson that destroyed a 140-year-old town hall in Limoges during weekend riots.

A 34-year-old far-left activist on France's national security watchlist has been arrested for the arson attack that destroyed Limoges's historic town hall on Saturday during ongoing riots across the country. Anti-terror police arrested him on Tuesday morning in Val d'Issoire, about 30 miles from Limoges. He is described as an ultra-left militant belonging to a violent radical-left group.

The fire devastated the 140-year-old listed building, which dates to 1883. Its roof and clock tower collapsed as the fire engulfed it. The suspect is believed to have broken windows to gain entry before starting the fire. According to the Daily Mail, he has a criminal history of violence linked to the radical French protest group Les Soulèvements de la Terre (Earth Uprisings). He was previously tried in July 2025 for punching an officer during a protest in October 2024.

Limoges mayor Guillaume Guerin said the building now requires complete 'Notre Dame-style' reconstruction and has threatened to resign if the French government does not fund the rebuilding. Almost 150 people have already been convicted and sentenced to prison for violence or property damage during the weekend's nationwide protests. Curfews were introduced in some French towns and cities, with fears that violence could recur.

How it is being reported

• Far-left activist known to police is arrested over arson attack that destroyed historic town hall during French riotsA far-left activist has been arrested over the burning down of a historic town hall in France during the country's violent riots.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 14:50
• Far-left French rioter on national securty watchlist busted over fire that gutted historic town hallAn "ultra-left" militant who was already on a security watchlist has been arrested for the devastating fire that gutted a 140-year-old city hall during ongoing riots across France, according to officials.New York Post · 20 Oct, 13:48

In this story: Limoges · France · Guillaume Guerin · Les Soulèvements de la Terre · Val d'Issoire

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