In a series of alarming events that have heightened tensions across France, both the iconic Louvre Museum and the historic Versailles Palace were evacuated on Saturday following bomb threats. These incidents come at a time when the French government has already placed the nation on high security alert due to a fatal school stabbing by a suspected extremist.
The Louvre's communication service confirmed that no one was injured and that no incidents had been reported. Paris police, acting swiftly on the written bomb threats received by the museum, initiated a comprehensive search of the premises. Similarly, the former royal palace at Versailles was also subjected to bomb threats. A national police spokesperson stated that both the palace and its expansive gardens were being evacuated for thorough examination.
Eyewitness accounts from the Louvre described alarms echoing throughout the vast space, which was once a royal palace overlooking the Seine River. The evacuation was announced both in the museum and in the underground shopping center located beneath its iconic glass pyramid. Police swiftly cordoned off the monument, ensuring no access from any side. Videos circulating online captured the scene, showing tourists and other visitors leaving the museum. While some departed in haste, others paused to capture the moment on their cameras, and a few appeared bewildered by the unfolding events.
The Louvre Museum, in a statement on its official website, informed the public: "For safety reasons the museum is closed. People who booked a ticket for today will be reimbursed. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding."
The French government's decision to raise the threat alert level was not solely based on the recent school attack. Officials are also wary of potential repercussions in France stemming from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Louvre, which houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, typically sees a daily footfall ranging between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors. In a notable incident last year, an individual smeared cream cake over the Mona Lisa in what appeared to be a climate protest. Additionally, in 2017, a French soldier neutralized a man who tried to enter the Louvre with two backpacks while brandishing a machete.
These recent threats and the subsequent evacuations underscore the heightened state of alert in France. With the government deploying an additional 7,000 troops to bolster security, the nation remains on edge, awaiting further developments.
