Who is Christophe B., the man behind the racist attack in Puget-sur-Argens?

The man suspected of the fatal shooting in Puget-sur-Argens, identified as Christophe B., has emerged as a figure linked to far-right extremism. At 53, he recorded several videos before his deadly assault, in which he openly expressed hatred, glorified violence, and aligned himself ideologically with nationalist symbols.

A calculated act with political overtones

On Sunday, June 1, Christophe B. allegedly shot and killed his neighbor, Hichem Miraoui, a Tunisian national, and seriously injured another man, who remains in a coma. Prior to the attack, he posted disturbing videos that media outlets, including Libération, described as a “terrorist manifesto.” In the footage, he brandishes a pistol, appears intoxicated, but speaks with chilling clarity. He rants about “Islamics,” urges “real French” to act violently, and declares allegiance to the “blue-white-red” flag.

Antiterrorism prosecutors take charge

The French national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office (Pnat) has taken over the case—a first for a homicide rooted in far-right ideology. According to Le Monde, it was Christophe B.'s explicit incitement to others—“go find them where they are”—that led to the classification of the crime as terrorism. Prosecutors opened an investigation into “assassination and attempted assassination in connection with a terrorist enterprise, committed on grounds of race or religion.”

Extremist rhetoric and references to the far-right

In the videos, Christophe B. goes beyond racial slurs. He makes direct references to political figures associated with the far-right. “Jean-Marie told us we'd be in trouble. Marine and Jordan have to win, or we’re screwed,” he says, referring to Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen, and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally (RN). He adds, “I’m not pro-RN, but wake up, or you’ll get screwed.”

He admits to having “snapped” over what he calls “scum” neighbors, but his words betray a broader political agenda. He sees himself as a soldier of an imagined civil war. “I die for France,” he proclaims. “This is just the beginning.”

A history of far-right affiliations

According to HuffPost, Christophe B.’s Facebook history shows a long-standing alignment with the RN. He frequently shared posts from RN officials, including David Rachline, Gilbert Collard, and Marine Le Pen. In 2019, he warned of a coming “civil war” and urged people to vote RN to “get rid of bad immigrants.”

A final farewell laced with menace

In his last messages, Christophe B. says goodbye to his wife and friends. As he waits in his car, he hears vehicles approaching and vows to take his own life before being captured. “I know where to shoot not to suffer. Goodbye everyone, see you up there. Tonight I die for France. And vote properly next time.”

The investigation is ongoing. The rhetoric and premeditation behind his actions signal a deepening concern over the rise of violent extremism within European far-right circles.