Bus Attacked in Grenoble Before National Rally Congress
A bus carrying 11 passengers to the National Rally (RN) party congress in Orléans was attacked and heavily damaged early Sunday morning at the Grenoble railway station, according to police and local reporting. BFMTV reported that masked and gloved assailants smashed all the vehicle’s windows, including the windshield, and spray-painted the tag “Gre Antifa” on the side of the bus.
Attack Details and Police Response
The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, as the vehicle prepared for departure. Eleven passengers and a crew of two drivers were inside the transport when the group of attackers struck, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable, according to Le Figaro. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault. The Grenoble public prosecutor’s office opened an immediate investigation into the incident. Deputy Public Prosecutor Marianne Thirard confirmed to Agence France-Presse (AFP) that proceedings are underway for aggravated willful violence and destruction of another’s property.
Company Condemnation and Political Context
The transport provider, Compagnie des Autocars Lyonnais, issued a public statement condemning the violence. The company stated that it handles travel for political parties across the political spectrum, alongside trade unions, associations, and supporter groups, maintaining that it takes no side in political debates. “No political disagreement can justify attacking drivers, passengers, or their means of transport,” the company said. Meanwhile, the local representation of the National Rally declined to comment immediately on the attack when contacted by AFP.
Congress Events and Parallel Demonstrations in Orléans
The congress in Orléans proceeded with the re-election of Jordan Bardella as party president. Running as the sole candidate, Bardella secured 98.98% of the vote. Outside the venue, a protest march drew between 13,000 participants according to authorities and 26,000 according to organizers. Orléans Serge Grouard noted that the demonstrations dispersed calmly, with attendance falling short of initial projections that had anticipated up to 30,000 protesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any injuries reported during the attack at the Grenoble station?
No injuries were reported among the 11 passengers and two crew members inside the vehicle, though the bus sustained heavy structural damage and broken glass.
What specific charges were filed by the Grenoble prosecutor?
Deputy Public Prosecutor Marianne Thirard confirmed that an official inquiry was opened under charges of aggravated willful violence and the destruction of another person’s property.
How many people participated in the demonstrations outside the Orléans congress?
Local authorities recorded 13,000 participants in the protests outside the venue, while event organizers estimated the turnout reached 26,000 people.
Related reading