Massive protests against the rising cost of living in France led to clashes with police, incursions, and destruction in a number of major cities on October 17. According to Prime Minister Sebastian Lecorniu, about 1,200 people were arrested in one day and 150 police officers were injured, AFP reported. In Paris, rioters looted cosmetics and electronics stores, damaged the Republic Square monument, and set fire to a bar in La Barrique. After they broke into a telecommunications store, people threw cell phones into the crowd. At a nearby supermarket, protesters picked up bottles of alcoholic beverages and beverage containers, then threw them in the direction of police. Law enforcement officers used tear gas and water jets. Crusaders damaged dozens of stores in Marseille, including Hermès luxury brand outlets, jewelry stores, clothing, cosmetics, and home appliances stores, as well as bread-selling outlets. Firefighters had to put out a fire at a shoe store. In Lille, rioters looted an Apple store in the city center, according to Mayor Arno Desland. Several sportswear shops and a motorhome were looted in Nice. One of the most serious incidents was a fire at the historic city hall in Limousin. A 19th-century building sustained heavy damage. According to AFP, the roof collapsed on the lower floors and about two-thirds of the front was destroyed. The mayor and the prefect of the department of Upper Vienna described the damage as extremely serious. InSaint-Etienne, a 17-year-oldrally participant lost his wrist as a result of an explosion of a grenade used by the force. The prosecutor's office transferred the investigation of the circumstances of the injury to the General Inspectorate of the French National Police (IGPN). According to preliminary data, the teen picked up the grenade from the ground. The exact type of ammunition was not reported. Prime Minister Lecorniu condemned the incident and said the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Late in the evening, he met with the staff of the power structures involved in ensuring order, together with Interior Minister Laurent Nunes. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said the city's entire streets had been deserted and shops and city infrastructure had been subjected to extensive destruction. He requested a meeting with the prime minister early next week with the mayors of Lyon and Marseille. Socialist Party leader Olivier Forr also condemned the crusaders, stating that they were discrediting the mass movement started by schoolchildren and students. At the same time, he called for a review of methods to ensure public order and seek de-escalation instead of further escalation. Vice President of the United States Jay DiVence linked the unrest to immigration. In a post on social network X, he noted that he believes that progressive Western politicians have underestimated the integration of migrants. Vance also called on France to stop the violenceby commenting on a video of a fire in the City of Limousin. The protests were held against the backdrop of French discontent, due to reduced purchasing power, rising fuel prices, and worsening conditions in the education system. In recent weeks, tensions have also intensified over allegations of excessive use of force against police during school children. The riots took place in France a few months before the 2027 presidential election.