A cost-of-living crisis and worsening conditions in schools have kicked off a wave of protests across France, and as is tradition, some have taken advantage of the chaos and started looting stores.

The BBC reported that over 1,200 people were arrested during violence, with shop owners left to rebuild after fronts were smashed and stores looted. Through it all, one French video game store employee has gone viral for aura farming while defending the sanctity of his shop.

Warning, the following contains photos and videos containing real world violence.

Photos and videos on social media showed Pierre, a sales assistant at a Micromania branch in Nice, attempting to protect the doorway to his store as rioters harassed him. In one clip, he attempted to chase looters away but was kicked to the ground when he turned his back.

Asaltan una tienda de Micromania en Niza y agreden al dueño por intentar defenderla: https://t.co/kD8OgE2hWr

"At one point, I just stood in front to keep people from getting inside — that’s all." Pierre told ICI. Despite his attempts to defend the store, it was looted and Pierre was struck in the face by projectiles.

"I can’t quite process what happened,” Pierre said. “That might come a bit later, once the dust has settled. I don’t think I should have done it, honestly. It was foolish. But in the moment, that’s what I did."

Since the incident, Pierre has received dozens of social media messages supporting his actions. Pierre said he appreciates the support, but pointed out that the protests are a symptom of real issues working people across the world are dealing with.

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