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Gay Police Officer Killed in Paris Attack Hailed as Hero

Jugele

Xavier Jugele was a dedicated LGBT activist who aided migrants in Greece.

Nbroverman

A French police officer murdered Thursday in an apparent terrorist attack on Paris's Champs-Elysees was Xavier Jugele, a 37-year-old gay man beloved in his community.

Jugele was shot while sitting in a police vehicle that was guarding the packed boulevard; two other officers were injured in the attack. The shooter, a man named Karim Cheurfi who previously served 14 years in prison, was killed in an ensuing gun battle with police. The terrorist group ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Jugele served on the Parisian police force since 2010, previously working in national law enforcement. A committed activist, Jugele was a member of Flag, an organization for LGBT police officers in France. He also protested against Russia's so-called gay propaganda ban, which made most public displays of Pride illegal. Jugele also traveled to Greece to aid migrants who arrived there seeking exile, according to The New York Times.

President Francois Hollande said the nation would pay an official tribute to Jugele in the coming days. Jugele leaves behind a partner.

Nbroverman
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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.