Unrest in Cherbourg Following Police Shooting of 19-Year-Old Sulivan
Cars, trash cans, and a France Travail agency were set on fire during the night from Saturday to Sunday in Cherbourg, reflecting ongoing tension after the police shooting of 19-year-old Sulivan. The events transpired in the Provinces district, where Sulivan hailed from, with the local prefecture confirming the details early Sunday morning.
Urban Violence and Casualties
The prefecture's press release stated, 'On the night of June 15, 2024, between midnight and 3:30 a.m., a group of several dozen people caused localized fires in the Provinces district.' It added that mortar fire had been directed against law enforcement and emergency services, resulting in three police officers injured and two people arrested. Additionally, significant damage was inflicted on a France Travail agency and around fifteen light vehicles were set ablaze.
Backdrop of Tensions
Sulivan was fatally shot in the chest by a police officer on the evening of June 9, while attempting to escape on foot from a traffic stop of the stolen vehicle in which he was a passenger. The officer involved was indicted for intentional homicide and placed under strict judicial supervision. Following a white march that gathered around 600 people, Sulivan's family organized a rally in front of the Cherbourg judicial court to demand the officer's pre-trial detention. Earlier in the week, Cherbourg had already witnessed scenes of urban violence, prompting a prefectural decree prohibiting 'the transport and sale of fireworks and fuel in transportable containers.'
- The prefecture expressed strong condemnation against the acts of violence and vandalism that occurred on the night of June 15. The established departmental operational center (COD) monitored the situation closely to ensure public safety and order.
- The case of Sulivan has garnered significant public attention, with many citizens expressing their outrage and demanding justice. The emotional response from the community underscores the deep-seated issues regarding police conduct and the use of force.
- Further details on the judicial process and the community's reaction are expected in the following days. The continued developments will be crucial in shaping the discourse around law enforcement and accountability in France.
