With the Paris Olympics just a month away, city police chief Laurent Nunez addressed security concerns on Friday. Nunez emphasized that police forces are on high alert as the Olympics are set to commence on July 24, with the opening ceremony following two days later.
Nunez highlighted the various threats being monitored, including the risk of terrorism, particularly from Islamic extremists, as well as the lower-level threats posed by radicalized environmentalists, left-wing extremists, and the pro-Palestinian movement. He mentioned a recent incident in Saint-Étienne where two individuals were arrested for plotting an attack targeting the Olympic Games.
To ensure the safety of the event, Nunez revealed plans to deploy approximately 30,000 police officers daily, with armed police personnel and military support. General Christophe Abad noted that around 18,000 military members would be involved in the security operations during the competition, marking a significant mobilization of military forces on French soil since World War II.
During the opening ceremony, security measures will be heightened, with 35 security boats accompanying the 94 riverboats carrying athletes along a designated section of the Seine. Snipers will be strategically positioned, and three tactical police forces—BRI, RAID, and GIGN—will collaborate for enhanced security.
Nunez assured that security plans for the Paris Games would remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of the snap elections. Concerns regarding potential protests following the elections were also addressed, with Nunez stating that additional resources were available to manage any demonstrations.
Regarding private security, the number of projected security agents for the Olympics has been increased to around 25,000, with 93% of the security needs already met. Organizers are actively recruiting 400 more agents specifically for the opening ceremony to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
Despite the challenges, Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Games organizing committee, expressed confidence in meeting all security requirements before the Games commence.
For more information on the Paris Olympics, visit the AP Olympics hub: AP Olympics.
