Armed Gang Attacks Cinema, Injures Security Guards
- A Montpellier cinema became the scene of a violent attack on Sunday night, March 16, 2025.
- Around 0:30 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025, the group, armed with hammers and baseball bats, entered the cinema hall.
- The two security agents on duty attempted to repel the attackers.
Armed Group Assaults cinema security in Montpellier
Table of Contents
A Montpellier cinema became the scene of a violent attack on Sunday night, March 16, 2025. A group of fifteen to twenty individuals, dressed in black and masked, stormed the premises, targeting the security personnel.
Cinema Attack Details
Around 0:30 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025, the group, armed with hammers and baseball bats, entered the cinema hall. the motives behind this aggressive intrusion remain under investigation by the Service local de police judiciaire (Slpj) at the central police station.
Security Response and Injuries
The two security agents on duty attempted to repel the attackers. Both were injured, with one sustaining a head injury from a hammer blow. The sapeurs-pompiers du Sdis 34 responded with two ambulances and a supervising officer. Two other individuals present suffered minor injuries while seeking refuge inside the cinema.The assailants fled the scene shortly after the attack, dispersing in different directions.
Police Investigation
Upon arrival, police units, including the anti-crime brigade (Bac) and the municipal police night brigade, found the cinema hall and surrounding area deserted except for the injured security personnel and the two other affected individuals. Initial searches for the group proved unsuccessful.
Possible Connections to Other Incidents
Authorities are investigating whether this incident is connected to other recent acts of violence in the area. There have been previous unprovoked attacks at the same cinema, and a nearby restaurant saw a dozen unknown individuals assault patrons.
Link to Brasserie Attack?
Investigators are also exploring a potential link to a separate incident that occurred around 10:00 PM on the same Sunday. In that event, fifteen to twenty young individuals attacked four customers at a brasserie near the Hérault prefecture in the Écusson district. The attackers reportedly targeted a teenager wearing a PSG scarf, shouting, ici, c’est la Paillade
.
This brasserie attack occurred approximately three hours after the evacuation of the Mosson stadium by 170 police officers,including CRS units,following disruptions that lead to the definitive halt of the Ligue 1 MHSC-Saint-Étienne match,and less than two hours after the cinema assault.
Cinema Listings in Montpellier
Despite the recent incident, several cinemas in Montpellier continue to operate. Cinémas Pathé offers a variety of films, e-tickets, and schedules. you can consult their listings and purchase tickets online. Pathé Gaumont cinemas in Montpellier also feature schedules, movies, events, offers, and previews.
Cinéma Utopia Montpellier is another option, presenting a diverse range of films and events. The cinema’s schedule is available in PDF format,with listings updated regularly. for example, schedules are available for the periods of March 12-18, 2025, March 19-25, 2025, March 26-April 1, 2025 and April 2-8, 2025. Cinéma Utopia is located at 34090 Montpellier (Tram 1 Saint Eloi).
The Utopia also hosts events such as the “BEST OF DOC” film festival, which presents a selection of documentary films across France.
Q&A: Armed Group Assaults cinema Security in Montpellier
Overview of the incident
What happened at the Montpellier cinema on March 16, 2025?
On the night of March 16, 2025, a group of fifteen too twenty individuals, dressed in black adn wearing masks, violently attacked a cinema in Montpellier. The primary targets were the security personnel on duty.
When did the attack occur?
The attack took place around 0:30 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Where in Montpellier did this incident happen?
The specific location of the cinema isn’t named, but it is known to be in Montpellier, France.
Who were the targets of the assault?
The main targets were the cinema’s security personnel.
Details of the Cinema Attack
What weapons were used in the attack?
The assailants were armed with hammers and baseball bats.
What injuries were sustained during the attack?
Two security agents were injured,one of whom suffered a head injury from a hammer blow. Additionally,two other individuals present at the cinema sustained minor injuries while trying to find safety.
What emergency services responded to the incident?
The sapeurs-pompiers du Sdis 34 responded with two ambulances and a supervising officer to provide medical assistance.
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