A shooting in Poitiers, France triggered a massive brawl of up to 600 people on Thursday night, seriously injuring five and leaving a 15-year-old boy in critical condition.
Police say the incident – thought to be linked to drug trafficking – began as a drive-by attack and turned into a major fight when rival groups got involved. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said there were between 400 to 600 people at the scene, but it’s unclear how many exactly were involved in the brawl.
Drug-related violence has been escalating in France recently, said Retailleau. Last week, a five-year-old was shot in the head while sitting in a car with his father, during a shooting police have confirmed was drug-related.
“These shootings are not happening in South America, they are happening in Rennes, in Poitiers, in this part of western France once known for its tranquility,” Retailleau said.
“We are at a tipping point, and the choice we have today is a choice between general mobilization or the Mexicanisation of the country,” he added, referring to Mexico’s struggle with rampant cartel-related violence.
Poitiers Mayor Léonore Moncond’huy posted on X about the gravity of the situation, calling for more action against this kind of violence.
“The youth of those involved is particularly worrying,” she wrote. “I call for everyone’s responsibility to maintain calm in the city, and welcome the increased presence of security forces.”
While the drug trade has historically been centred in the southern city of Marseille – where 49 people were killed in drug-related violence last year – it is now spreading to more rural areas and smaller cities and towns.
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, “France hosts one of the largest [drug] markets in Europe, and the synthetic-drug trade is on the rise in the country, especially in festival environments, with the darknet and social media serving as major selling platforms.”
The post Drug Shooting Sparks a Massive Street Fight in France appeared first on VICE.
The post Drug Shooting Sparks a Massive Street Fight in France appeared first on VICE.
