Mayor Protects Students Protesting for Better Education

Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko confronted police during a demonstration in Paris on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. He appeared to shield protesting students, shouting “stop” at riot police carrying shields.

Bagayoko said he had supported students in the working-class suburbs of Paris. The moment, which went viral, took place on Tuesday, 6 October.

He asked police not to charge the students, saying many of them had not behaved aggressively towards officers.

Police eventually fired tear gas at the group, including towards the mayor. Student protests, which began in disadvantaged areas on the outskirts of Paris, have continued for more than two weeks and have exposed widespread public anger.