Man Arrested for Climbing Eiffel Tower Prior to Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony
ICARO Media Group
In a daring act just hours before the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, a man was arrested for scaling the iconic Eiffel Tower on Sunday, according to the Paris police. Witnesses reported seeing a shirtless individual climbing the tower at around 14:45 local time. Upon sighting the climber, officers promptly intervened and took him into custody.
While the specifics of the man's motivation and nationality remain unknown, videos capturing the incident have circulated on social media. One footage reveals the climber ascending just above the Olympic rings adorning the structure, symbolizing the culmination of the summer games. In another video, the man can be seen being escorted away by police, his hands cuffed behind his back. He nonchalantly remarks to a bystander, "Bloody warm, innit?"
Amidst conflicting reports, it has been stated that French police evacuated the vicinity surrounding the Eiffel Tower during the incident. Although these claims are yet to be independently verified, numerous sources, including CNN, have confirmed the evacuation based on information from the police. The BBC was unable to confirm if the evacuations were still in effect at 16:00.
The Eiffel Tower held a prominent role in the Olympics opening ceremony as its centerpiece. However, it was not expected to feature in the closing ceremony later on Sunday. The incident adds an unexpected twist to the concluding festivities of the Paris Olympics 2024.
It is worth noting that the man had previously been held in custody for 36 hours following a dispute with his bodyguard, as reported by the Associated Press. The details surrounding this altercation have not been disclosed.
The Paris police continue to investigate the incident and provide updates as more information becomes available. The authorities are working to ensure security and maintain the smooth operation of the Paris Olympics 2024.