The Louvre Museum in Paris and the iconic Versailles Palace were swiftly evacuated on Saturday in response to bomb threats, as confirmed by the authorities.
The evacuation process at the Louvre Museum triggered alarms throughout the premises, prompting immediate action from the police. While the situation unfolded, the Louvre communication service assured that no individuals were harmed. Concurrently, police forces secured the area, cordoning off the vicinity and initiating a thorough search of the museum in response to written bomb threats. Visitors and tourists, both domestic and international, were ushered out of the museum, with videos capturing the scene showing a mix of urgency, confusion, and orderly evacuation.
The incident at the Louvre, a globally renowned cultural institution housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, added to the mounting security concerns in France.
Moreover, a potential threat detected at the Gare de Lyon, a major Paris train station, led to its evacuation as well, demonstrating the comprehensive security measures being undertaken in response to the current volatile situation.
The recent developments come on the heels of President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to deploy additional troops in response to the Gambetta-Carnot school attack. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the suspected assailant currently under custody. With the suspect reportedly refusing to cooperate, French intelligence is exploring potential connections between the individual’s actions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Gambetta-Carnot school reopened its doors to some students, parents, and staff seeking support, albeit with tightened security measures in place.