French authorities have detained a far-right extremist suspected of fatally shooting Federico Martin Aramburu, a former Argentine rugby star, in Paris. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of March 19, 2022, in the upscale Saint-Germain district, followed a heated altercation at the Mabillon café. Loik Le Priol, a 27-year-old former soldier and member of the far-right Groupe Union Défense (GUD), is believed to have fired the lethal shots that killed Aramburu, aged 42, a celebrated figure with 22 caps for Argentina’s national team.
Details of the Incident
According to investigators, the conflict at the café around 6 a.m. prompted bouncers to separate two groups. After leaving the scene, two men allegedly returned in a car and fired multiple shots at Aramburu, who died at the scene. A 24-year-old woman, suspected of driving the getaway vehicle, was arrested on March 21 and charged as an accomplice to murder. Another suspect, also linked to far-right circles, remains at large, intensifying the manhunt.
Suspect’s Troubled Background
Le Priol, apprehended near Hungary’s border with Ukraine on March 22, 2022, has a documented history of violence. A former marine commando, he was discharged from the French Navy for disciplinary issues after serving in Mali and Djibouti, where he developed post-traumatic stress disorder between 2013 and 2015. “He was known to be especially impossible to control,” said political scientist Jean-Yves Camus, noting Le Priol’s reputation for “unrestrained violence.” The suspect faces prosecution for a 2015 assault on a GUD member and has prior convictions for assault and drunk driving, as reported by the French weekly Marianne.
GUD’s Radical Legacy
Once a prominent far-right student group from the 1960s to 1980s, GUD has dwindled to a small, radicalized faction, described by Camus as a “gang … about 10 people.” Le Priol’s affiliation with GUD, coupled with his 2016 venture into white nationalist clothing, underscores his extremist ties. Despite perceptions of reform—YouTuber Julien Rochedy claimed, “Everyone thought he had calmed down”—Le Priol’s actions suggest otherwise, raising questions about oversight in his military recruitment.
Impact on Rugby and Beyond
Aramburu’s death has shocked the rugby community, where he was revered for his contributions, including a try in Argentina’s 2007 Rugby World Cup third-place victory. The tragedy, occurring amid heightened global tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlights the broader issue of far-right extremism in Europe. As French authorities pursue justice, the case underscores the need to address radical ideologies that fuel such violence, leaving a lasting impact on both sports and society.
