Paris—In a second consecutive night of violent protests, France witnessed widespread unrest as demonstrators targeted police stations, town halls, schools, and public transport across multiple towns. The demonstrations erupted in response to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old teenager by police officers who alleged that the young driver had failed to comply with a stop order.

French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, reported that 180 individuals were arrested during Wednesday night's clashes, while 170 officers sustained injuries.

Speaking about the violence, Minister Darmanin condemned the actions of a small group of people who chose to attack symbols of the republic. He vowed to restore justice, calm, and freedom, and announced the deployment of 40,000 police officers nationwide to ensure public order and prevent further disturbances.

Amidst the escalating situation, the U.S. Embassy in Paris cautioned American citizens residing in the capital region to avoid large gatherings and areas with significant police activity due to the potential for violence and clashes. They advised individuals to keep their friends and family informed about their whereabouts.

The police chief in Nanterre, the location of the shooting, stated on Thursday that the use of a weapon in the incident was not justified. The officer involved in the fatal encounter has been placed under formal investigation for murder and is currently in custody.

The aftermath of the protests left debris strewn across the streets of various towns and cities. In Villeurbanne, near Lyon, a three-story apartment building was set ablaze, while in Neuilly sur Marne, near Paris, all seven police cars were torched. Additionally, a tramway in Clamart and part of the city hall building in Evreux were damaged by fire.

A separate investigation is underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the teenager's refusal to comply with the police's order to stop his vehicle. The teen, identified as Nahel, was fatally shot in the chest, confirmed by the police.

During a minute of silence in the French parliament, lawmakers paid tribute to Nahel and expressed support for his parents and loved ones. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne criticized the officer's decision to open fire and assured parliament that justice would be served. She emphasized that the shooting did not adhere to the rules of engagement for the French police.

Video footage authenticated by the French news agency AFP showed two police officers standing beside the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver. The officer then appeared to fire as the vehicle quickly sped away, eventually coming to a stop a short distance later.

Following the shooting, the officer who fired the shot attempted CPR on Nahel but was unsuccessful in reviving him. Two other individuals were in the vehicle, one of whom was apprehended, while the other fled and remains wanted in connection with the incident. Police reported that no weapons or narcotics were found in the vehicle.