One person was killed and three were injured after attempting an armed robbery against a currency exchange shop in Bristol, Hamra, when the owner of the store shot at the robbers, a source at the Internal Security Forces told L’Orient Today Monday.

“During the confrontation, a gunfight broke out between the robbers and the shopkeeper,” the source explained.

“The authorities, upon arriving at the scene, detained the exchanger and confiscated surveillance footage from the store and the surrounding area. The injured are currently being hospitalized and the ISF is waiting for the judiciary’s investigation,” the source explained.

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Was January particularly deadly in Lebanon? Official figures say otherwise

In January, a wave of violent crimes in Lebanon sparked public outcry, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and accuse authorities of inaction.

Is there an increase in crime?

Former Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi pushed back against the criticism in January and argued that while "these acts could not be prevented, but their perpetrators are systematically apprehended."

Mawlawi pointed to 1,920 arrests made last month for various offenses and announced a series of measures, including intensified patrols, increased staffing, and a ban on motorcycles in Beirut.

A security source interviewed on the matter dismissed claims of a January spike in violent crime, particularly homicides. Citing official figures, the source noted that 13 homicides were recorded in January 2025 — matching the monthly average from the previous year, which saw a total of 153 murders, compared to 158 in 2022.

When compared to the monthly average for all of 2024, these figures show even sharper increases, with robberies and pickpocketing up by approximately 85 percent and 133 percent, respectively.

While no single factor fully explains the surge, lawyer Farouk Moghrabi pointed to broader economic and security challenges. He cited Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis, the strain on security personnel — many of whom take on additional jobs to make ends meet — and the recent war with Israel as potential contributors to the rise in theft-related crimes.

The public outcry over recent murders and armed robberies, Moghrabi argued, stems more from the nature and circumstances of these crimes than from their frequency. He cited the Faraya case as a striking example — an incident that gained particular attention due to its seemingly trivial trigger: a dispute over the right of way. According to Moghrabi, such cases contribute to the broader perception of eroding civic values in Lebanon, intensifying concerns over public safety.

The Syndicate of Money Changers in Lebanon condemned the attempted armed robbery in a statement and "praised the owner’s bravery in self-defense."

The syndicate urged "security and judicial authorities to swiftly investigate, impose harsh penalties and enhance patrols to protect money changers."

It also called on Defense Minister Michel Menassa to "expedite firearm licenses for money changers due to the risks they face."

Expressing "confidence in the judiciary," the syndicate stressed the "need for justice against the perpetrators."