France Arrests 2,400 After Weekend Riots; Trump Defends Easing Sanctions on Russian Diesel | NTD Good Morning (Oct. 19)

At least 2,400 people were arrested as violent riots continued in Paris, France, and across the country over the weekend. Looters pried open store shutters, broke into shops, and set property ablaze. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned those who looted and vandalized cities. Nearly 1,000 police officers were injured in the violence. U.S.President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that “France is burning!” and urged the country to close its borders.

Trump has defended his decision to waive Russia sanctions, arguing that it’s essential to keeping Moscow at the negotiating table in talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the decision. He called it a historic mistake and warned that easing sanctions could benefit Moscow as the war continues.

Four Canadian soldiers are dead after a grass fire spread at a military base in Alberta on Saturday. An investigation is underway to determine how it spread so fast. The fire started while members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were conducting live-fire training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

Maj. Gen. Wade Rutland said strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction toward the range administrative area. “The fire did originate within the training area, and did cross established fire guards before being contained, in conjunction with municipal authorities,” he said at a press conference in Edmonton on Oct. 18. He added that the military doesn’t believe the incident is the result of any oil and gas infrastructure explosions, “nor any outside interference.”