French police evacuated the area around the Eiffel Tower after a man was spotted climbing the iconic landmark just hours before the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday.
The shirtless individual began his ascent in the afternoon and was seen above the Olympic rings on the second level of the tower.
Authorities intervened around 3 p.m., escorting visitors away from the area. Some individuals who were briefly trapped on the second floor were allowed to exit approximately 30 minutes later. “An individual started climbing the Eiffel Tower at 2:45 p.m.; police intervened and detained the person,” a Paris police official stated, speaking anonymously due to an ongoing investigation.
The Eiffel Tower served as a centerpiece during the Olympics opening ceremony, where Celine Dion performed from one of its viewing areas. However, it is not expected to feature in the closing ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at Stade de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis at 9 p.m.
This incident occurred as the Olympic competition was winding down, with security services in Paris shifting their focus to the upcoming closing ceremony, which will mark the conclusion of the Games.
🔴🔵🟡 Eiffel Tower evacuated after man spotted climbing it hours before Olympics closing ceremony 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ikMzjQwo14
— SVS NEWS AGENCY (@svsnewsagency) August 11, 2024
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