Fatal Assault on Far-Right Activist Quentin in Lyon Sparks Political Outcry and Investigation

Quentin D., a 23-year-old student and far-right activist, tragically died following a violent assault during a conference at the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon on February 13, 2026. The event, led by left-wing MEP Rima Hassan, was disrupted by a confrontation involving Quentin and his security team against a larger group of antifascist activists. Video footage shows Quentin being violently thrown to the ground and beaten before being rescued by firefighters approximately two kilometers away.

The Lyon prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into aggravated fatal blows and violence during a meeting. Quentin’s family lawyer, Fabien Rajon, described the assault as a "methodically prepared ambush" by organized, armed individuals who had conducted prior reconnaissance. The identity collective Némésis, of which Quentin was a member, claims that one assailant is a parliamentary assistant affiliated with the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI).

Political reactions quickly followed the incident. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, calling for calm, restraint, and respect amid the heightened tensions. Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged vigilance among his party members, especially after multiple LFI offices across France were vandalized in recent days. Mélenchon emphasized the need to prevent further violence following the attack near Sciences Po Lyon.

A tribute gathering for Quentin is planned in Paris, reflecting the deep impact of his death on far-right groups and the broader political climate. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities attempting to identify all attackers and clarify the circumstances of the deadly assault.

This tragic event highlights growing concerns about political violence in France, especially at public meetings and conferences involving opposing ideological factions. The brutal nature of Quentin’s death has intensified calls for security and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed in a polarized political environment.