Interior Minister: No known 'threat to security' at Olympic Games
Just over a week before the start of the Paris Olympic Games, the French Interior Minister, in a calming tone, stated to "Le Journal du Dimanche" that, "as far as we know, there is no specific threat to the security of the Olympic Games," according to Gerald Darmanin. Intelligence services have not yet identified any imminent danger. The opening ceremony can proceed as planned on the Seine. However, we must remain humble and focused, Darmanin added.
The organizers also expressed confidence in the security plan just before the Olympic Games on July 26. "There is a specific plan for the opening ceremony and every competition to ensure security," said Tony Estanguet at a press conference. He could guarantee that security would be the "Priority Number 1."
Before the Olympic Games, the police and military significantly increased their presence in Paris. France had declared the highest terror alert level in March. At the end of May, investigators thwarted plans for an Islamic terrorist attack on a soccer match during the Olympic Games.
Despite the heightened terror alert level in France, the Interior Minister assures that currently, there's no specific threat to the Olympic Games in Paris. During the games, they're set to play various sports, including the opening ceremony on the Seine, which is set to proceed as planned. However, Darmanin emphasizes the necessity to remain humble and focused regarding security matters.
In the run-up to the Olympics, Estanguet, the organizer, affirmed their confidence in the security plan. He highlighted the detailed plan for both the opening ceremony and every competition to ensure maximum security, making it their top priority.
However, prior to the Olympic Games, the authorities had already taken measures to enhance security in Paris. This included an increased presence of both police and military forces in the city due to the high terror alert level they had declared in March.
Additionally, just before the Olympic Games on July 26, French investigators successfully thwarted planned Islamic terrorist attacks, which were intended for a soccer match during the Olympic Games that were about to commence.
