PARIS: French police sprang into action, evacuating the area around the iconic Eiffel Tower after a daring man was spotted scaling the Paris landmark just hours before the Olympics’ grand closing ceremony on Sunday.
The Tower Ascent
The shirtless climber, undeterred by the tower’s 330-meter (1,083-foot) height, began his ascent in the afternoon. Although it remains unclear where he initiated his daring climb, he was sighted just above the Olympic rings that adorn the second section of the monument, precariously close to the first viewing deck.
Swift Police Response
Promptly at 3 p.m., police escorted visitors away from the vicinity. Some individuals, briefly confined on the second floor, were eventually allowed to exit after approximately 30 minutes.
Eiffel Tower’s Role
During the opening ceremony, the Eiffel Tower took center stage, with the legendary Celine Dion serenading the city from one of its viewing areas. However, it won’t feature in the closing ceremony, which is scheduled to commence at the Stade de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis at 9 p.m.
Security Measures
As the Olympic competition draws to a close, security services in Paris and beyond are shifting their focus to the closing ceremony. Over 30,000 police officers have been deployed throughout the city on Sunday. France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, confirmed that approximately 3,000 officers will be mobilized around the Stade de France, while an additional 20,000 police troops and security personnel in Paris and the Saint-Denis area will remain vigilant late into Sunday night to ensure safety during the final day of the Games.
