The Eiffel Tower was evacuated just hours before the Olympics Closing Ceremony after a man was spotted climbing the famous Paris monument.
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CBS News reports that the man, who appeared to be shirtless, was seen scaling the 1,083-foot-tall tower in the afternoon hours on Sunday, Aug. 11. Although it remains unclear where he began his climb, he was seen just above the Olympic rings on the second section of the landmark.
Someone is climbing up the Eiffel Tower right now! pic.twitter.com/prpdDIeEN8
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) August 11, 2024
Paris authorities escorted Eiffel Tower visitors away from the area around 3 p.m. Some of the visitors were reportedly locked on the second floor. They were allowed to exit the monument about 30 minutes later.
A Paris police official released a statement about the incident. “An individual started climbing the Eiffel Tower at 2:45 p.m.,” the statement reads. “Police intervened and the person was detained.”
It was further reported that more than 30,000 police officers have been deployed around the city of Paris and beyond. They will be watching over the last Olympic events and the closing ceremony. France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated about 3,000 officers would be mobilized around the Stade de France. An additional 20,000 officers and security personnel would be placed in Paris and Saint-Denis.
Stade de France to Be ‘Transformed Into a Gigantic Concert Hall’ During the Olympics’ Closing Ceremony
With the Olympics’ Closing Ceremony set to take place later this evening, organizers are promising quite a show.
In a statement, the organizers revealed that the Stade de France will be transformed into a gigantic concert hall. The event will feature over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers, and circus artists.
“This visual spectacle will bear the signature of artistic director Thomas Jolly,” the statement reads. “An original soundtrack, new interpretations, musical performances, and the participation of world-renowned singers will complete the picture. Part of the show will take place in the air, while the giant sets, costumes, and spectacular lighting effects will take spectators on a journey through time, both past and future.”
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, also spoke about the upcoming event.
“On 11 August 2024, a new page will be turned with the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games,” Estanguet said. “It will be time to say goodbye to all the Olympic athletes and delegations who have thrilled us, made us dream and brought us to tears during 17 days of amazingly intense competition.”
“At the Stade de France, where the greatest stars of athletics and rugby sevens will have competed,” he added. “The moment will be solemn and emotional, but it will also be a time for celebration!”