Man arrested over fire that destroyed Limoges town hall
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 18:20 · Archive
French police have arrested a man suspected of arson in a fire that severely damaged the historic Limoges town hall during weekend protests.
French national police arrested a man suspected of arson in the fire that severely damaged the historic Limoges town hall over the weekend. The RAID special forces unit arrested him in the nearby town of Val d'Issoire. Authorities described the man as a far-left activist previously on the government's security watchlist, with a history of violent conduct towards law enforcement during a 2024 protest.
The fire was set Saturday as people across France protested conditions in the education system and the cost of living. The town hall, inaugurated in 1883, was nearly completely destroyed in the blaze, with the roof and bell tower collapsing. About 500 to 700 people had gathered in front of the building at the time the fire was set. Authorities do not consider the fire an act of terrorism, though a Justice ministry spokesperson said they do not believe the arrested man acted alone.
Mayor Guillaume Guérin had threatened to resign along with the city council if the government did not fund restoration. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government would assist with rebuilding. Guérin called for funding comparable to that given to Notre-Dame de Paris. Around 2,500 people were arrested over the weekend protests, which saw hundreds of buildings vandalised, businesses looted and fires set across the country.
How it is being reported
- French police arrest arson suspect in destruction of Limoges town hallFrench national police on Tuesday arrested a man suspected of arson in the fire that severely damaged the historic Limoges town hall over the weekend.UPI · 20 Oct, 18:06
- Suspect arrested in France after fire at historic city hallA man has been arrested after a fire at the town hall of Limoges, according to French media.Sky News · 20 Oct, 14:31
In this story: Limoges · France · Guillaume Guérin · Sébastien Lecornu · RAID · Val d'Issoire
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