Violent Attack on Right-Wing Militant Quentin D. in Lyon Sparks Political Outcry and Investigation

On February 14, 2026, Quentin D., a 23-year-old right-wing militant affiliated with the identity collective Némésis, was violently assaulted in downtown Lyon during a protest outside a conference featuring LFI MEP Rima Hassan. Following the attack, Quentin is reported to be in a critical condition and fighting for his life, currently in a coma.

The assault occurred while Quentin was part of a security team for the Némésis collective, which aimed to disrupt the conference. The collective has accused far-left militants, including members of the dissolved antifascist group Jeune Garde, of perpetrating the attack. However, the attackers remain unidentified, and an official investigation for "aggravated violence" has been launched.

Aurore Bergé, the Minister Delegate for the Fight Against Discrimination, condemned the attack as "unbearable" and "insufferable," emphasizing the severity by noting the likelihood Quentin was brutally beaten and lynched. She vowed that the investigation would lead to identifying and holding those responsible accountable, with promises of "severe convictions."

Political figures across the spectrum have reacted strongly: Marine Le Pen condemned the extreme left groups as "terrorists," advocating for broad political mobilization against them. Jordan Bardella and Bruno Retailleau expressed outrage over the violence linked to LFI and its affiliates. Meanwhile, Rima Hassan firmly rejected any involvement of her team with extremist groups at the event and condemned the assault.

This incident occurs amid broader concerns about rising political violence and antisemitism in France; notably, it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the murder of Ilan Halimi, a Jewish victim of a hate crime. President Emmanuel Macron has proposed mandatory ineligibility for elected officials found guilty of antisemitic acts, while new legislation targeting emerging forms of antisemitism is set for review soon in the National Assembly.

The attack and subsequent political response highlight the tense and violent atmosphere surrounding conflicting political groups in France, with ongoing investigations expected to clarify responsibilities and potentially lead to judicial action.