Shopkeepers defend their livelihood from masked looters during the French riots

Updated: 18/10/2026 - 19:45 GMT+2 Desperate shopkeepers in several French cities confronted gangs of black-masked looters during Saturday’s ordeal, trying to protect their businesses as violence and chaos spread through city centers. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Footage shows owners pleading with thugs to leave their stores and attempting to defend their premises as confrontations escalated into pushing and fighting.Despite their efforts, shops were attacked, looted and damaged. Other shopkeepers were seen sitting in front of their businesses in tears, surrounded by the wreckage, as they struggled to come to terms with the destruction. The scenes captured the distress of local business owners caught up in the unrest and fighting to protect their livelihoods.