French police arrest 1,800 after violent clashes and looting mar protests

French police arrested 1,800 individuals following violent clashes and looting during protests in Paris. The demonstrations occurred on October 17, 2026, leading to significant unrest. On October 18, evidence of the destruction was visible on Boulevard Sebastopol, where numerous shared bicycles had been burned. These arrests were made as authorities responded to the volatility of the events, which were marked by severe violence and criminal activity throughout the city during the protest period.