Violent Protests Erupt Across France as 70,000 March in Paris, Clashes Injure Police

Large-scale demonstrations across France turned violent on Saturday evening, with clashes breaking out in Paris after a march drawing at least 70,000 people reached its conclusion. Police moved to disperse the crowd with tear gas, and protesters responded by throwing projectiles at officers, according to reports from the scene.

In the capital, rioters threw what appeared to be Molotov cocktails at police near Porte de Charenton, injuring several officers and forcing them to pull back from their position. The confrontation marked a sharp escalation after what had begun as a large but largely peaceful march.

Violence also spread to other cities. In Lyon, militants set fire to American and Israeli flags on the roof of a tram shelter as the march passed by, according to local outlet Actu Lyon. In Bordeaux, a pinata bearing the likeness of French President Emmanuel Macron was struck with a sword while the crowd cheered, Frontieres reported.

Authorities have not yet released a full accounting of injuries or arrests, and the situation remained fluid late on Saturday. The incidents add to a recent pattern of protests in France that have drawn large crowds but have increasingly ended in confrontations between demonstrators and security forces.

The events are still developing, and officials are expected to provide further details in the coming hours.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.