French police have arrested an extremist activist suspected of attempting to assassinate President Emmanuel Macron, according to the newspaper "Parisien" on Saturday. The paper noted: "The far-left activist is under investigation and is now in prison. He is accused of attempting to assassinate the French President, Emmanuel Macron, in April."
According to the newspaper, the incident occurred on April 27 during Macron's visit to the Doubs region to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the country. News of Macron's attendance had spread through the media days prior, leading to immediate gatherings by opponents of Macron's policies, particularly the pension reform. Protesters attempted to breach the security perimeter, prompting the gendarmes to use tear gas.
After the event concluded, a 20-year-old leftist activist launched a smoke bomb at the helicopter as Macron was departing. Following the investigation, the perpetrator was identified and subsequently arrested at his home and placed in custody, according to "Novosti."
The anti-terror prosecutor has charged him with three counts: "attempting to destroy a gendarmerie helicopter, attempting to assassinate the security personnel on board, and attempting to assassinate a head of state." The detainee did not deny his actions, stating that he wanted to make Macron understand that the people of the country do not agree with his policies.
