A French bus driver died days after being rendered brain dead in an attack that allegedly began when he asked a group of passengers to wear their masks.
Philippe Monguillot, 59, was taken off of life support on Friday. Prosecutors said four men attacked Monguillot in the French city of Bayonne on Sunday after he requested that they all wear masks on the bus, according to CNN. Wearing masks is mandatory in France.
Prime Minister Jean Castex called the attack “cowardly” in a Twitter post and vowed that there would be justice for Monguillot.
“The Republic recognizes him as an exemplary citizen and won’t forget him. The law will punish the perpetrators of this despicable crime,” Castex said.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that he would be traveling to Bayonne, the city where the attack occurred, to meet with officials.
“This heinous and cowardly act must not go unpunished. I’ll be traveling to Bayonne tomorrow to make a point of safety in the city with state officials and meet with public transport drivers and unions,” he said on Twitter.
There was a march held on Wednesday in Monguillot’s honor. His wife and family attended, and demonstrators wore white.
