As more protests loomed on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called the police shooting of a teen at a traffic stop this week “unforgivable” and “inexplicable”.

Macron said the killing of a teen by the police was “inexplicable” and “unforgivable”. “Nothing can justify the death of a young person,” he said, visiting Marseille.

He said the case “moved the entire nation” and expressed “respect and affection” for the family of Nael, 17. The government said it will send 2,000 riot police to prevent any unrest, after a police officer shot Nael in the chest and lied about it.

2,000 police were sent to prevent violence, Darmanin said.

The president was “emotional” and asked for “calm”, government spokesman Veran said.

Prime Minister Borne tweeted that she wanted “the truth” to calm down the anger.

Nael M’s mother posted a video on TikTok, calling for a tribute march for her son on Thursday. “This is a revolt for my son,” she said.