French police apprehended a man who scaled the iconic Eiffel Tower just hours before the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Sunday. The incident led to the evacuation of the surrounding area as authorities swiftly responded to ensure the safety of visitors and participants.

According to reports, the man was spotted climbing the 330-meter (1,083-foot) landmark at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. Police intercepted and arrested him around halfway up the tower. Astonishing videos shared on social media depicted the shirtless climber navigating his way between the Olympic rings, nonchalantly ascending the structure without the use of any safety ropes.

In one video, as the daring feat took place, the climber could be heard remarking to onlookers, "bloody warm, innit?" It remains unclear from where he initiated his ascent, but witnesses confirmed seeing him just above the Olympic rings on the second section of the monument, right above the first viewing deck.

As a precautionary measure, police swiftly escorted visitors away from the area around 3 p.m., ensuring their safety. Some individuals who were briefly confined on the second floor were eventually allowed to exit after approximately 30 minutes.

The Eiffel Tower held significant prominence during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics when renowned singer Celine Dion mesmerized the audience from one of its viewing areas. However, it is not expected to feature in the closing ceremony scheduled to commence at Stade de France in the suburb of Saint-Denis at 9 p.m.

This incident occurred at a time when the Olympic competitions are winding down and security services in Paris are shifting their attention towards the closing ceremony, marking the culmination of the Games. More than 30,000 police officers have been deployed across Paris on Sunday to ensure the safety of spectators and participants.

France's Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, highlighted the extensive security measures being implemented. Approximately 3,000 police officers will be mobilized around the Stade de France, while an additional 20,000 police troops and other security personnel in Paris and the Saint-Denis area will remain mobilized late into Sunday night.

The Eiffel Tower, an international symbol of Paris, attracts millions of visitors each year. While incident-free visits are the norm, occasional occurrences, such as this daring climb, highlight the ongoing importance of maintaining heightened security measures to protect both visitors and the iconic landmark.

As investigations into the climber's motives and methods continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing security for major global events, such as the Olympic Games.

References:
- The Associated Press
- Reuters