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Barrot reacted to a statement by the US State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, which said, “Reports that Quentin Deranque was killed by leftist militants, as also confirmed by the French Interior Minister, should concern us all.”

In a post on X, the State Department said that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect those who commit violence to be brought to justice.”

Far-right activist Deranque died last week in Lyon, France, due to brain injuries sustained in a beating. He was attacked during a scuffle on the sidelines of a student meeting where far-left lawmaker Rima Hassan was speaking.

Barrot stated, “We reject any attempt to use this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political purposes. Especially on the issue of violence, we have no lessons to take from the international reactionary movement.”

The killing of Deranque highlighted deep political tensions ahead of next year’s presidential elections. French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm during a march in Lyon on Saturday organized by far-right groups, which drew around 3,000 people to pay tribute to Deranque.

A preliminary investigation has been launched against seven individuals. The Lyon prosecutor’s office has requested that each be charged with intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and complicity. Six of the suspects will be tried on all three charges, while the seventh faces charges of intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and complicity.