Driver Forces Car Through Climate March in Clermont-Ferrand, Injuring Four

Overview

• A 37-year-old motorist drove into a crowd taking part in a peaceful climate march in Clermont-Ferrand, causing four people to suffer minor injuries.
• Police immediately arrested the man and placed him in garde à vue, the French procedure for formal police custody while questions continue.
• The public prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal probe for "violence with a weapon," using the vehicle as the alleged weapon.
• Initial drug screening on the driver indicated consumption, and the prosecutor said there is no evidence pointing to a terrorism motive.
• Investigators will seek to confirm toxicology results, interview witnesses and review footage, and the incident highlights risks to pedestrians when demonstrations slow traffic.