On Tuesday, while on a walkabout in southern France, French President Emmanuel Macron was smacked in the face by a guy among a crowd of onlookers, according to video of the incident.

Macron’s security team rushed in to bring the man to the ground and take him away from Macron. According to broadcasters BFM TV and RMC radio, two people were arrested in connection with the event.

The incident, according to French Prime Minister Jean Castex, was an affront to democracy.

The event occurred as Macron was visiting the Drome region of south-eastern France, where he met with restaurateurs and students to discuss how life is returning to normal following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Macron, clothed in shirt sleeves, could be seen walking towards a crowd of well-wishers who were behind a metal fence in a video circulating on social media.

One man with a green T-shirt, glasses, and a face mask was greeted by the French President, who extended his hand.

The man could be heard yelling “Down with Macronia” (“A Bas La Macronie”) before slapping Macron in the face.

Two members of Macron’s security detail confronted the man in the green T-shirt, while another escorted the president away. Macron, on the other hand, lingered in the crowd for a few more seconds, appearing to be conversing with someone on the other side of the barriers.

The presidential administration confirmed that an attempt on Macron’s life had been made, but declined to elaborate.

The identity of the individual who smacked Macron was unknown, as were his intentions. He may be heard hitting the president while chanting “Montjoie Saint Denis,” the war cry of the French troops when the country was still a monarchy.