Chicago – June 15, 2026
Violence erupted in Geneva on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators gathered ahead of the G7 summit set to begin in nearby Évian-les-Bains, France. The largely peaceful anti-G7 march descended into unrest when groups of protesters clashed with police, vandalized property, and set vehicles on fire.
Authorities responded with tear gas after demonstrators reportedly smashed windows at a United Nations building, damaged bank branches and corporate offices, and threw projectiles at security forces. Several arrests were made, and police seized weapons including knives, axes, and metal objects.
Organizers said the protests drew activists opposed to global economic policies, environmental issues, and ongoing international conflicts. Businesses across Geneva had boarded up storefronts in anticipation of possible disturbances.
The unrest comes as world leaders prepare to meet for the three-day G7 summit, where discussions are expected to focus on international security, economic challenges, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
