"New facts that could constitute misdemeanor by Alexandre Benalla were brought to the president's attention," an official at the Elysee Palace told Reuters.
"As a result... the presidency has decided to start Alexandre Benalla's dismissal procedure," the official added.
Benalla, who served as an assistant to Macron’s chief-of-staff, was identified from social media footage by French daily Le Monde on Wednesday.
He was seen hitting and choking demonstrators while wearing a police riot helmet at the annual day of protest.
Benalla has since been detained for questioning in an assault inquiry, prosecutors confirmed to AP.