Self-Defence Weapons Sales Surge in Paris Ahead of Anticipated 'Act II' Riots on Saturday

French authorities acknowledged late Tuesday that security forces lost control of streets in several cities during recent unrest, prompting a sharp increase in purchases of defensive equipment by local merchants. The admission came as preparations intensified for further demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, which organizers have labeled "Act II." Initial assessments of the previous weekend's disturbances indicated that 1,500 commercial establishments were damaged, destroyed, or looted. Police reported injuries to 1,000 officers, while at least 1,800 individuals faced arrest. Numerous vehicles were set ablaze during the chaos. In response to the perceived failure of the state to protect private property, firearms dealers in Paris reported a dramatic spike in sales of non-lethal deterrents. High-powered pepper spray guns, telescopic batons, baseball bats, and iron bars became sought-after items. Yves Goletty, owner of L’Armurerie de la Bourse in central Paris, noted rising demand for non-lethal gear such as pepper sprays and tear gas canisters. A representative for the National Trade Association of Gunsmiths stated that every member store faces depleted inventory. The comparison drawn to the summer demand for air conditioning units highlighted the intensity of the rush. Customers specifically targeted legal, license-free options, including compressed gas pistols firing rubber balls and tear-gas projectors. One popular item, the JPX six-shot pistol, utilizes cartridges containing a dense oleoresin capsicum blend rated at 400,000 Scoville Heat Units. Shopkeepers expressed deep anxiety regarding their personal safety and economic viability. One Paris gun store owner cited a tenfold increase in sales, describing the merchant community as traumatized. Alain Di Crescenzo, president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the atmosphere as one of exhaustion, noting that business owners face a dual fear for both their livelihoods and physical well-being. Some merchants admitted to acquiring improvised weapons, such as iron bars, despite legal prohibitions against owning actual firearms for self-defense. One shopkeeper declared that residents would defend themselves because warnings had gone unheeded. The trade association advised its members to remain law-abiding citizens but warned that problems would arise if police failed to restore order. Historical parallels were drawn to similar surges in defensive item sales following the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris and the October 7 attacks in Israel. German media outlet Die Welt reported on the prevailing mood among French business leaders, emphasizing the sense of abandonment felt by those whose properties were targeted. The current situation follows a period of civil disorder that began earlier this month, leading to widespread destruction and public frustration with governmental response times. As Saturday approaches, tensions remain high in the Ile-de-France region, with merchants bracing for potential repeat incidents.