A drug-related shooting in Poitiers, a city in western France, ignited a violent confrontation involving up to 600 people on Thursday night, according to French authorities.
The incident began when five people were critically injured in a drive-by shooting at a local restaurant, including a 15-year-old boy now in critical condition after sustaining a head wound, as reported by police sources to AFP.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed alarm over the escalation of drug-related violence, stating, “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 emphasized that France faces “a choice between general mobilization or the Mexicanization of the country,” referring to issues with gang violence in Mexico.
The recent violence follows a similar incident last week in Rennes, where a five-year-old boy was killed in a drug-related shooting, heightening concerns of a growing trend.
“Tensions between groups broke out, requiring the intervention of the police and the gendarmerie,” said Vienne regional police in a statement.
Poitiers’ mayor condemned the events as “a new episode of violence unacceptable for the neighbourhood,” as images from Place Coimbra—the area affected and noted for drug-related activity—showed the restaurant’s facade riddled with bullet holes.
Police indicated the brawl erupted between rival gangs following the shooting, which authorities believe is linked to the spread of drug trafficking violence from cities like Marseille into other parts of France.
