Some Parisians buy pepper spray, tear gas for self-defence during protests
Parisians are buying tear-gas canisters and pepper sprays to defend themselves and their property during protests, which are expected to continue over the weekend, the owner of a weapons shop in the French capital has said. France was hit by its worst social unrest in years last weekend as nationwide protests over high prices and declining public services erupted into riots. A town hall was…
Parisians are purchasing tear-gas canisters and pepper sprays to protect themselves and their property during anticipated protests this weekend, according to a shop owner in the French capital. The city experienced its worst social unrest in years last weekend, with nationwide protests over high prices and dwindling public services turning violent.
Businesses were burned, goods were stolen, and public buildings were defaced as clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement. Police have only permitted a union demonstration in Paris on Saturday, declining requests for rallies submitted by France’s main student union and the anti-establishment Yellow Vest movement.
At Armurerie de la Bourse, a weapons store in central Paris, owner Yves Gollety reported a significant surge in sales of non-lethal weapons since the weekend. Customers include shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and individuals who fear the violence may reoccur. The top-selling products are pepper sprays and tear-gas canisters, which can only be used for self-defense.
Gollety, who is also the president of the national association of gunsmiths, said orders have increased tenfold. Only small canisters containing less than 100 milliliters can be bought by the public.
France’s chamber of commerce president, Alain Di Crescenzo, warned shopkeepers against using weapons to defend their businesses, emphasizing that it would only add to the suffering. He had personally witnessed shopkeepers arming themselves with baseball bats, crowbars, and shotguns. Reuters could not independently verify this claim.
A shopkeeper in Paris' 15th arrondissement, who sells motorbikes and scooters, said he purchased three large tear-gas canisters and another small one to safeguard his shop. He acknowledged that potential attackers could arrive without warning, so being prepared is essential. A finance worker, who visited Gollety’s shop but did not buy any defensive gear, expressed concern about the recent events and the possibility of future unrest.
Instead of buying pepper spray or similar devices, he considered installing mechanical metal shutters on his shopfront.
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