French police foil planned attack on Olympic torch relay

On Thursday, May 23, the French police brought the country's residents positive news. They successfully apprehended a man who was planning an attack on the Olympic relay running through France. He had intended to carry out a "brutal action."

The Olympic Games are rapidly approaching. They will begin on Friday, July 26 in Paris and will last until Sunday, August 11. This massive event involves the organization of several thousand, if not tens of thousands, of people. Athletes from all over the world will represent their countries, competing for medals in dozens of disciplines. It is hard to imagine how many people will flock to the capital of France to participate in this event.

Such a large sporting event, apart from eliciting incredibly strong emotions, tears, and happiness, also brings with it the threat of terrorism. For several months now, all French security services have been on high alert. Preparations for the official opening of the Olympic Games are taking place across the entire country, meaning that potential attacks could occur anywhere in France.

On Thursday, May 23, the French Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, shared a post on social media. On the platform X, he informed residents that a dangerous man had been caught. The suspect had planned an attack on innocent people participating in the Olympic relay, whose task is to carry the torch to Paris. The suspect is now in the hands of the appropriate services.

"A person planning a brutal action during the running of the Olympic torch relay in Bordeaux has been arrested. We thank the police officers and all the agents of the ministry @Interieur_Gouv who, with extraordinary professionalism and commitment, are securing this sporting event," reads the post on social media from Gerald Darmanin.

In an interview with the media, the Republic's prosecutor in Bordeaux, Frederique Porterie, confirmed that the police managed to arrest a 26-year-old. During a search of his apartment, weapons and several mobile phones were secured, which could have been used to detonate explosive devices.