Nice shop owner defends store from rioters

Pierre Collin, manager of the Micromanía video game store in Nice, confronted rioters attempting to loot his business during recent French unrest, physically blocking their path and enduring thrown objects including stones, one narrowly missing his head. Collin, on vacation, rushed to the store after an ex-employee reported the break-in. He and his partner faced projectiles and insults for six to seven hours, sustaining minor scratches and a sprain. He emphasized that other citizens assisted him, and he distinguishes the looters from peaceful protesters, alleging the attackers coordinated via Snapchat. Collin stated the violence lacked political motive, describing it as destruction for pleasure. While he supports the right to protest and understands youth concerns, he expressed no empathy for those who vandalized businesses, noting many nearby shops, including a sports store and tobacconist, were also targeted.