France Summons US Ambassador Charles Kushner Over Comments on Far-Right Activist's Death

Diplomatic Tensions Rise Between France and United States

France has announced its intention to summon US Ambassador Charles Kushner to protest comments made by the US administration concerning the death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the comments constituted 'unjustified and unjustifiable' interference in French internal affairs.

The diplomatic move follows a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the US State Department's Counterterrorism Bureau. The post asserted that 'violent radical leftism is on the rise' and that its role in Deranque's death 'demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety.' The statement also claimed that 'reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.'

Details Surrounding Quentin Deranque's Death

Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old French far-right activist, died on February 14, 2026, from severe brain injuries. These injuries were sustained two days prior, on February 12, during a violent altercation in Lyon, France. The incident involved clashes between alleged far-left and far-right groups, where Deranque was reportedly beaten by individuals identified as far-left activists. At the time of the incident, Deranque was said to be providing security for the femonationalist group Collectif Némésis.

The investigation into Deranque's death has led to the arrest of 11 individuals. Seven of these individuals have been handed preliminary charges, which include intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and criminal conspiracy. Among those arrested was a parliamentary aide to a far-left Member of Parliament.

French Government Rejects External Commentary

Foreign Minister Barrot emphasized France's rejection of any 'instrumentalization of this tragedy' for political purposes. He asserted that France has 'no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.' The death of Deranque has significantly heightened political tensions within France, particularly ahead of the upcoming 2027 presidential vote and municipal elections. The incident has sparked accusations against the far-left and prompted a large march in Lyon organized by far-right groups in tribute to Deranque.

Ambassador Kushner's Prior Diplomatic Engagements

Charles Kushner assumed his role as the United States Ambassador to France and Monaco on July 11, 2025, following his confirmation by the US Senate in May 2025. This is not the first time Ambassador Kushner has been summoned by French authorities; he was previously called in August of last year regarding a letter sent to President Macron, which alleged that France was not doing enough to combat antisemitism.