France summons US ambassador over comments about death of far-right activist
France summons US ambassador over comments about death of far-right activist
France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced plans to recall the U.S. ambassador, Charles Kushner, following remarks that framed the death of a far-right French activist as an act of interference. The incident occurred earlier this month, sparking a diplomatic dispute over how the event was interpreted.
Details of the Incident
Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist, died two days after sustaining severe head injuries during a brawl in Lyon on February 12. The Trump administration later cited his death as evidence of left-wing violence, prompting controversy. A video of the altercation, capturing masked individuals assaulting a man on the ground, ignited public outrage across France.
“The U.S. ambassador has been called in due to the embassy’s analysis of this incident, which impacts our national identity. We oppose any external meddling in this matter,” Barrot stated during an interview with France Inter radio.
US Embassy’s Response
The U.S. embassy in France shared a post on X from the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau, which claimed reports linking Deranque’s death to left-wing militants were a cause for concern. The statement emphasized the growing threat of radical leftism to public safety.
“The surge of radical left-wing extremism is increasing, and its involvement in Deranque’s death highlights the danger it presents to public safety,” the X post declared.
French authorities have charged two individuals with murder in connection to the activist’s death, while a total of 11 others were detained. The incident also intensified tensions with Italy, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused left-wing extremist groups of being responsible and criticized the spread of ideological hatred in multiple countries.
Previous Summoning
This marks the second time Kushner has faced a diplomatic summons from French officials. In August 2025, he was recalled after criticizing the government for its “insufficient response” to antisemitism, a move that underscored ongoing friction between the two nations.