ry officials said security has been reinforced in several major cities including Paris, Lyon and Marseille following overnight clashes between supporters of the slain activist and counter-protesters. Riot police were deployed after small groups set fires and vandalized property in parts of the capital. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the killing as an unacceptable act of violence and urged calm, warning against attempts to exploit the tragedy for political gain. The Republic does not yield to hatred , Macron said in a brief statement from the Élysée Palace. Leaders of the far-right National Rally called the death — a direct consequence of a climate of hostility toward nationalist movements. Party officials demanded a full judicial inquiry and accused political opponents of fostering an atmosphere that endangers activists. Meanwhile, left-leaning parties and civil society groups cautioned against collective blame, emphasizing that the motive remains under investigation. Several organizations urged restraint, noting that inflammatory rhetoric on social media had surged within hours of the announcement. France has faced periodic episodes of political unrest in recent years from pension reform protests to clashes over immigration policy. Analysts say the latest incident risks deepening ideological polarization ahead of upcoming regional elections, where immigration and security are expected to dominate debate. This is a flashpoint moment, said one Paris-based political analyst. If leaders fail to de-escalate, the narrative could spiral into broader unrest. By Saturday afternoon, vigils were held in multiple cities with supporters laying flowers and lighting candles beneath French flags. Authorities reported no further major incidents but maintained heightened alert status through the weekend. Prosecutors indicated that formal charges against the detained suspect could be announced within days. Investigators are examining possible political motives as well as online communications linked to the case. For now, France stands at a delicate juncture mourning a death that has rapidly become a symbol in a broader struggle over identity, security and the tone of its public discourse. Source: Wall Street Journal