France is dealing with massive protests right now because of the rapidly rising cost of living. Around 600,000 people hit the streets across the country to voice their concerns. But things took a violent turn very fast. Masked groups used the crowds as cover to break into luxury shops. Apple ended up being a major target, with two of its stores completely wrecked and looted over the weekend.
Rioters smash luxury storefronts and set fire to public property
The destruction started in Bordeaux. A large group of young people crashed through the doors of the Sainte-Catherine Apple store. Video footage showed masked individuals running out with expensive goods.
Just a few hours later, the same thing happened at the Lille location. The company, famous for devices like the iPhone and the iPad, saw its glass windows shattered as crowds poured inside to ransack the space. Apple was not the only brand hit. Hermes suffered major damage when rioters broke into its boutique in Marseille. Louis Vuitton also saw its Bordeaux location ransacked.
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The chaos spilled over into public spaces too. Angry mobs attacked historic town halls in Lyon and Marseille. People set dozens of cars on fire and wrecked government buildings. The police union reported that officers faced intense ambushes from people throwing stones and bricks.
Law enforcement has already arrested around 1,200 people. French President Emmanuel Macron stated he will punish those responsible for the violence. For now, the country remains on edge as officials try to restore order and clean up the streets.
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