Hundreds march in France to honor teen fatally beaten in ambush

Hundreds of people participated in a silent "white march" in Carcassonne on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to pay tribute to Louis, a 17-year-old who died after being severely beaten in an ambush.

The march, organized at the call of the teenager's father, saw approximately 500 participants walk through the city center. Many wore black and white t-shirts featuring Louis's image, distributed by his family. Louis's father, Nicolas Hervé, spoke emotionally during the event, remembering his son as a "good boy" and a "gem," urging attendees not to forget his memory.

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Louis was a good boy, he was a gem.

The procession, initially quiet, grew more animated as participants chanted slogans such as "Louis, we love you," "Justice for Louis," and "Neither forget nor forgive."

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Louis, we love you.

Louis was attacked on June 19 in Narbonne during an ambush that was reportedly filmed by his assailants. He was found unconscious the following day by a construction worker and hospitalized. He succumbed to his injuries on June 23. Three minors and two adults, aged between 16 and 19, were quickly arrested and charged with attempted murder. They are currently in pre-trial detention.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions, particularly from far-right politicians who have framed it as "daily barbarism" or "ensauvagement" (savagery). However, the prosecutor's office in Narbonne clarified that the crime had "no link with a racial motive." The family of Louis's mother, who had not associated themselves with a previous tribute in Narbonne due to concerns about "political exploitation," has organized another march in Narbonne on July 5.

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Justice for Louis.