Police Foil Bomb Plot Outside Bank of America in Paris
Police Foil Bomb Plot Outside Bank of America in Paris
Police in Paris thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in the 8th arrondissement, arresting a suspect as investigators probe a homemade device.
French police stopped an apparent bomb attack in Paris early Saturday, arresting a man just after he placed what authorities described as a homemade explosive device outside a Bank of America building in the city’s 8th arrondissement, not far from the Champs-Élysées. The incident unfolded at about 3:30am local time when officers moved in and detained the suspect as he prepared to detonate a device that contained five litres of liquid, believed to be fuel, and an ignition system. The device also held about 650 grams of explosive powder, according to an initial assessment. The device was seized and taken to the police forensics lab for full analysis.
France’s counterterrorism prosecutor’s office immediately took over the investigation and confirmed the suspect was in police custody. The inquiry is looking into “attempted damage by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist undertaking” and a “terrorist criminal conspiracy.” The Paris judicial police and the General Directorate for Internal Security are involved, alongside the counterterrorism office.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe, with officials emphasising vigilance in light of regional turmoil in the Middle East. France’s interior minister hailed the officers’ swift action in a post on social media, noting that vigilance remains high. Authorities have not provided further details about the suspect or any possible links, motives, or accomplices, and a broader investigation is ongoing.
