Store manager in Nice attacked while defending shop from looters

On October 17, 2026, Pierre Colin, the manager of a Micromania video game store located on Jean-Médecin Avenue in Nice, France, became a viral figure after he was filmed attempting to protect his workplace from looters during widespread civil unrest. A widely circulated video, which garnered over two million views on X, shows Colin standing in the damaged entryway of his shop, physically blocking intruders from entering the premises.

Despite his efforts to deter the crowds, the situation escalated when an unidentified hooded individual approached from behind and delivered a powerful kick to Colin's back, causing him to fall to the ground. Following the initial assault, other participants in the demonstration threw objects at him. Despite being injured, Colin managed to stand up, retrieve his glasses, and resume his defense of the store. Bystanders eventually intervened to assist in calming the situation.

Following the incident, Colin expressed his gratitude on Instagram for the massive wave of public support he received, with many social media users labeling him a hero for his courage. The incident highlights the tensions during the recent riots in France, as many business owners struggle to protect their livelihoods from opportunistic theft and damage during public protests.