Far-left French rioter on national securty watchlist busted over fire that gutted historic town hall

An “ultra-left” militant who was already on a security watchlist has been arrested for the devastating fire that gutted a 140-year-old city hall during ongoing riots across France, according to officials.

The 34-year-old suspect, known to police for acts of violence against public officials and currently on France’s national security watchlist, is suspected of starting the fire that gutted the 19th-Century landmark in the southwestern city of Limoges during Saturday’s violence, French media reported.

A fire burns and destroys the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the high cost of living, in Limoges, central France, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
The action was part of a nationwide call for mobilization bringing together former “Yellow Vests”, students, climate activists and farmers. AFP via Getty Images

He was arrested on Tuesday morning in Val d’Issoire, about 30 miles from Limoges, according to French media.

Cops described him as an “ultra-left militant” who allegedly belongs to a violent radical-left group.

He is the “main suspect” in Saturday’s devastating arson attack, which saw the city hall’s clock tower and roof go up in flames before collapsing.

The listed building now needs a complete “Notre Dame-style” reconstruction, according to Limoges mayor Guillaume Guerin, who has threatened to resign if the French government doesn’t fund the rebuilding.

More than 1,800 people were arrested during and after violent nationwide protests against the high cost of living that saw clashes, arson and looting. AFP via Getty Images
The destroyed Limoges city hall after being set on fire in Limoges, France, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. SDIS 87/AFP via Getty Images

Almost 150 people arrested during the weekend’s nationwide protests have already been convicted and sentenced to prison for violence or property damage, officials announced on Tuesday.

Curfews were introduced in some French towns and cities on Monday, as fears remain that there could be a repeat of the violence next Saturday.

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