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Dialuna, 16 October 2023 AWEMainta INTERNATIONAL 33
High Alert in France:
Bomb Threats at Louvre and Versailles Follow School Attack
FRANCE was gripped by heightened tension and vigi-
lance as the Louvre Museum and Versailles Palace were Investigations are underway regarding the school stabbing
evacuated in the wake of bomb threats. These incidents in Arras. The assailant and several others are in custody,
unfolded amidst a climate of uncertainty, triggered by a although the exact motive remains unclear, and the attacker
fatal school stabbing linked to an alleged Islamic extremist is not cooperating with investigators. The suspect had previ-
and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. President Emmanuel ously been under surveillance by intelligence services for
Macron’s administration expressed concerns about poten- radicalization. His recent detention for questioning revealed
tial domestic repercussions of the international conflict. no imminent threat, according to Interior Minister Gerald
Darmanin. However, French intelligence suggested a connec-
Alarms sounded at the Louvre, one of the world’s most- tion between the Middle East conflict and the suspect’s
visited tourist destinations, as police announced the evacu- actions.
ation. The underground shopping center beneath the iconic
glass pyramid was also cleared. Police searched the museum Returning to Arras, some schoolchildren, parents, and staff
following written bomb threats but found no explosives. As a revisited the Gambetta-Carnot school where the attack
result, the Louvre will resume regular operations on Sunday. occurred. Trauma specialists emphasized the importance
The significance of this museum, housing masterpieces such of addressing emotions and revisiting the scene promptly
as the Mona Lisa, is underscored by its daily influx of 30,000 after traumatic events. Teachers, parents, and students are
to 40,000 visitors. working to confront the lingering fear caused by the inci-
dent.
Versailles Palace also received bomb threats, leading This school attack recalls the 2017 killing of another teacher,
to evacuations of the palace and its extensive gardens. Samuel Paty, near his Paris area school. Samuel Paty was
Simultaneously, the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris was beheaded by a radicalized Chechen.
evacuated due to a suspected bottle explosive.
The French Education Ministry announced that all middle
Earlier on the same day, President Macron’s office disclosed schools and high schools will open later on Monday to provide
the mobilization of 7,000 soldiers by Monday night. This step support to staff, students, and their families, following the
followed an increase in the national threat level following the recent traumatic events. They will hold a minute of silence
school attack in Arras. Under the “attack emergency” threat to remember victims of school-related attacks. President
posture, additional troops can be temporarily deployed to Macron urged the people of France to remain united during
safeguard public places. these challenging times.
