The key facts
- A man of about 40 was detained, previously monitored as a potential threat and linked to the far left
- The roof and belfry of the 1883 town hall collapsed in the fire on October 17 during riots amid nationwide protests
- A decision on treating the case as terrorism has not yet been made; Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will travel to Limoges on Friday
Detention of the suspect
On Tuesday, October 20, French law enforcement detained a man allegedly involved in the arson of the historic town hall in Limoges in central France. According to the Limoges prosecutor's office, the detention was carried out by the specialized RAID unit in the neighboring town of Val-d'Issoire. The man is reportedly about 40 years old. A source close to the case said he had previously been placed under surveillance as a potential threat and was linked to far-left movements.
Fire and riots
The Limoges town hall, built in 1883, was engulfed in flames on Saturday, October 17; its roof and belfry collapsed. The fire broke out amid riots that erupted during nationwide protests sparked, among other things, by the rising cost of living and conditions in schools. The destruction of the building became a symbol of the violent unrest. Footage of the burning building collapsing reminded the French of the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019, which investigators believe started accidentally.
Investigation and the authorities' position
The SDAT judicial police anti-terrorism unit has joined the investigation. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on Monday evening on the TF1 television channel that anti-terrorism prosecutors would soon decide whether to treat the incident as a suspected terrorist attack.
The mayor's reaction and protests
The right-wing mayor of Limoges, Guillaume Guérin, criticized the police, which, according to him,
Investigation and the authorities' position (continued)
«If they take the case, it means it is a terrorist act, implying that certain individuals, in particular from the far left, clearly organized this destruction of the town hall,» he said.
The mayor's reaction and protests (continued)
«did not have the necessary resources» and «backed down» in the face of the rioters. He called on the government to «pour in millions» to restore the town hall, adding that «the state has failed.» According to the authorities, about 5,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstration in Limoges, including 700 people described as «radicalized and extremely violent.» On Sunday evening, about 7,000 people came out to protest against the violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, according to his office, will travel to Limoges on Friday.
