Eiffel Tower Evacuated After Shirtless Climber Sparks Chaos
Just hours before the 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, a shirtless daredevil scaled the Eiffel Tower, forcing a swift evacuation of the area. The man was spotted climbing France’s iconic 1,083ft (330m) landmark on Sunday afternoon, sending shockwaves through Paris.
Drama Unfolds High Above Paris
The climber was seen around 3pm, perched above the Olympic rings on the tower’s second section, just above the first viewing deck. Police acted quickly, evacuating visitors to prevent any danger. A lockdown briefly held some visitors on the tower’s second floor, but they were released after about 30 minutes.
Heavy Security Amid Olympic Grand Finale
The incident came shortly before the Olympics’ closing ceremony, scheduled for around 9pm at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, well away from the tower. Over 30,000 police and security personnel have been deployed across Paris and surrounding areas to keep the Games safe. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that 3,000 officers are stationed around the stadium, backed by 20,000 security staff across the capital.
Investigation Underway as Security Stays Tight
Authorities have yet to clarify the motives behind the climber’s risky ascent. The Eiffel Tower standoff highlights ongoing security challenges in the final hours of Paris 2024. The Olympics, already marked by tight security, face fresh concerns as the grand event draws to a close.
