PARIS — France will call in the U.S. ambassador over statements from the Trump administration on the fatal beating of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. The 23-year-old died from head injuries after clashes between radical-left and far-right groups in Lyon on February 12.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the summons Sunday to Le Monde, France Inter and France Info. “We are going to summon the United States ambassador to France, since the US embassy in France commented on this tragedy which concerns the national community,” Barrot said. He stressed that France rejects “any attempt to use this tragedy for political purposes.”

The ministry offered no date for the meeting with Kushner, father of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Deranque’s death has heightened tensions between France’s left and right wings with the 2027 presidential election looming.

On Friday, State Department Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers posted on X that Deranque’s killing illustrated “why we treat political violence — terrorism — so harshly.” She added, “Once you decide to kill people for their opinions instead of persuade them, you’ve opted out of civilization.”

The State Department’s counter-terrorism bureau echoed that message. It stated on social media that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety.” The U.S. embassy in France reposted the message in French.

The clashes erupted on the sidelines of a demonstration against a politician from the left-wing France Unbowed party. Six men face charges in connection with the assault that killed Deranque. Authorities also charged a parliamentary assistant to a radical left-wing MP with complicity.

More than 3,000 people joined a tribute march in Lyon on Saturday. Police deployed heavy security to prevent new violence.

The incident has sparked diplomatic friction beyond the Atlantic. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who enjoys close ties with Trump, called Deranque’s death “a wound for all of Europe.” French President Emmanuel Macron rebuked her for commenting on internal French matters.

Barrot’s decision highlights France’s sensitivity to outside commentary on domestic unrest. The far-right activist’s killing has fueled debates over political violence ahead of national elections.