Paris police deploy riot unit as fresh violence hits Place de la République

New violence and looting erupted in Paris on Sunday, prompting the mobilization of the CRS 8 riot police unit for a second consecutive day. The unit is positioned at the Place de la République, where clashes are ongoing between hundreds of people and security forces. Police reported strong tension and fresh looting in the area, including a clothing store targeted, according to television images. Saturday's protests drew 550,000 participants per the Interior Ministry, or over 800,000 per organizers, affecting 1,500 businesses and causing hundreds of millions in damages, with 1,800 arrests nationwide. French President condemned the violence, vowing perpetrators will be "pursued and punished," and will address the nation on television at 8:00 PM local time. The unrest stems from national protests against the rising cost of living and in support of secondary school student demands.