Brutal Antifa Attack Exposes Violent Leftist Agenda

French patriots flood the streets in massive protests against the brutal Antifa killing of young nationalist Quentin Deranque, exposing the violent underbelly of Europe’s radical left.

Story Highlights

Quentin Deranque, 23-year-old far-right activist, beaten to death by Antifa thugs after a clash near Sciences Po Lyon on February 12, 2026.
LFI parliamentary aide Jacques-Marie Favrot charged with complicity in the homicide, igniting a political firestorm.
Thousands expected at Lyon march today, February 21, echoing America’s stand against left-wing violence under President Trump.
Far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen demand Antifa be labeled terrorists, uniting a common front against LFI extremism.

Clash Erupts in Lyon

On February 12, around 6 PM, violence exploded near a train underpass south of Sciences Po Lyon. Far-right militants, including Quentin Deranque, confronted anti-fascists protesting a talk by LFI MEP Rima Hassan. Deranque, a 23-year-old student and nationalist activist with the Némésis group, sustained fatal injuries during the melee. Anti-fascist activists isolated and beat him severely after initial confrontations involving pepper spray and other weapons. Paramedics found him disoriented two kilometers away; he died two days later on February 14.

LFI Aide Faces Homicide Charges

Three young men now face voluntary homicide charges in Deranque’s death, with a third suspect, LFI parliamentary aide Jacques-Marie Favrot, charged with complicity. Favrot, aide to MP Raël Arnault, was present at the clash and denies delivering blows, but his contract termination is underway. Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran leads the investigation, with 11 individuals in custody as of February 18. This elevates the incident from street brawl to political scandal, highlighting left-wing involvement in lethal violence.

Far-Right Rallies Gain Momentum

France’s far-right, led by Rassemblement National’s Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, frames Deranque’s death as a “Charlie Kirk moment,” akin to American conservative mobilization against leftist aggression. Tributes include a neo-Nazi demo in Paris and attacks on LFI offices. A massive march in Lyon today, February 21, draws thousands under heavy police presence, despite the family’s boycott. Ministers Darmanin and Nunez blame the “extreme left,” while Bardella calls Antifa groups like La Jeune Garde the LFI’s armed wing.

Parliament observed an unprecedented minute of silence for Deranque on February 17, approved by National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet. Le Pen pushes to designate Antifa as terrorists, criticizing Macron for enabling far-left chaos. This cross-spectrum backlash isolates LFI, with even Hollande urging severed ties. As President Trump secures America’s borders in 2026, French conservatives draw inspiration, warning against the same radical left threats eroding national sovereignty.

Thousands of French citizens take to the streets to protest Antifa killing of nationalist Quentin Deranquehttps://t.co/xDzIvzkIGQ

— Human Events (@HumanEvents) February 21, 2026

Historical Violence and Implications

France’s street battles between far-right and far-left date to the 1980s, with 57 political fatalities from 1980-2017; radicals on the right caused 52. Lyon remains a hotspot for ultraright gangs, mirroring the 2013 skinhead murder of anti-fascist Clément Méric. Short-term, polarization surges ahead of March municipal elections, risking violence at today’s march. Long-term, RN gains momentum, potentially leading to Antifa terror labels and eroded left unity. Jewish, Muslim, and immigrant communities brace for escalation.