ABC News reported that a man was spotted climbing the Eiffel Tower, leading to a swift evacuation of the iconic Paris landmark just hours before its scheduled closing time.
The incident triggered a rapid response from security personnel, who acted promptly to ensure the safety of visitors. Authorities have not released details about the man’s motivations or the potential consequences he might face.
A shirtless man was spotted scaling the Eiffel Tower on Sunday, mere hours before the much-anticipated closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The climber was seen above the Olympic rings, in the tower's second section, just above the first viewing deck.
Authorities responded promptly, evacuating the vicinity of the iconic landmark at around 3 p.m. Some visitors, trapped on the second floor, were eventually released after approximately 30 minutes. The man's ascent began at 2:45 p.m., and he did not get far before police intervened and detained him.
"An individual started climbing the Eiffel Tower at 2:45 p.m., police intervened, and the person was detained," disclosed a Paris police official to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity.
This episode comes as the Eiffel Tower, a central element in the Olympics opening ceremony, was not scheduled to play a part in the closing festivities. The closing ceremony was set to commence at 9 p.m. local time at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
As Olympic competitions drew to a close, the incident not only disrupted plans but also underscored the prevailing security concerns surrounding the event. Over 30,000 police officers were stationed across Paris on Sunday to ensure safety during the Games' concluding hours.
France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed the necessity for robust security. He noted that about 3,000 police officers would be active around the Stade de France. Furthermore, 20,000 police and other security personnel would be stationed throughout Paris and Saint-Denis into Sunday night.
The climber's actions raised alarm as they took place just as the city wrapped up a global sporting event, amplifying the need for heightened vigilance.
The issue was contained, and after a brief period, normalcy resumed at the Eiffel Tower. Despite not being planned for the closing event, the tower's significance in the heart of Paris made the spectacle hard to ignore.
Visitors faced brief inconveniences but returned safely from the attraction's upper floors. While the man’s motive remains unclear, police assured the public that there was no lasting threat.
Though the tower has seen its share of adventurous climbers, this occurrence was particularly sensational, considering the timing. The Eiffel Tower is a historic symbol of Paris, and this failed attempt to scale it underscored its enduring allure and the necessity for stringent security measures during high-profile events.
The shirtless climber was spotted scaling the 330-meter tall tower on Sunday afternoon, reaching a point just above the Olympic rings on the second section. Police quickly responded, escorting visitors away from the area and briefly locking down those on the second floor before allowing them to exit. The incident occurred as Paris prepared for the Olympics closing ceremony at 9 p.m. at Stade de France.
