The incident occurred on October 17. Protests over the rising cost of living and deteriorating school conditions escalated into riots in some cities. Most clashes were in Paris, although the unrest also affected other cities.
Videos circulating online show employee Pierre blocking the entrance to a Micromania store in Nice, then chasing after people trying to get inside. As he turns his back to the attackers, he is hit.
He told French media:
At some point, I just stood in front of the entrance to prevent people from getting in. That's all. Honestly, I shouldn't have done that. It was unwise. But at that moment, that's what I did.
Pierre thanked people for their support and emphasized that the looters do not represent the majority of protesters.
During the riots, JD Sports, Decathlon, and Foot Locker stores were also affected, and in Paris, the V.Hive gaming cafe and the headquarters of the esports organization Team Vitality were ransacked. Computer equipment and, presumably, the team's Counter-Strike 2 trophy were taken from the premises. According to unofficial reports, the cup was put up for sale on eBay, although the listing was quickly removed.