French authorities have arrested a suspect accused of plotting a potential terror attack targeting the world-famous Louvre Museum.
The investigation began on April 28 after police stopped the suspect in Paris for allegedly driving with a forged license. During the stop, authorities accessed the man’s phone and allegedly uncovered evidence tied to an extremist plot.
Officials believe the suspect may have been planning an attack on the Louvre — the world’s most-visited museum — but said he was arrested before the plans were fully developed. Investigators also said the suspect discussed targeting members of the Jewish community in Paris.
The man, 27-year-old Tunisian national, was arrested on May 7 and remains in pre-trial detention. France’s Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday that a formal investigation had been opened “on the grounds of terrorist association with the goal to commit crimes against individuals.”
According to investigators, the suspect’s phone contained jihadist propaganda videos, hundreds of images of firearms and knives, ISIS-related content shared on social media, and encrypted communications with overseas contacts believed to have possible ties to extremist networks.
Officials also said investigators found discussions involving access routes into the Louvre, the possible placement of explosives inside the museum, and the production of ricin toxin.
The alleged plot raised fears of mass casualties at one of the busiest cultural landmarks in the world. The Louvre welcomes nearly 9 million visitors each year — roughly 25,000 to 30,000 people on a typical day — making it one of the most crowded tourist destinations on Earth. Authorities said the suspect had allegedly researched entry points and discussed how explosives could be placed inside the museum, underscoring the potential scale of destruction and panic an attack could have caused.
The suspect reportedly entered Europe through Lampedusa in 2022 and had been living in the Paris region without legal residency status, according to officials cited by ABC News.
During questioning, investigators said the suspect denied intending to carry out an attack, claiming his online activity stemmed from “curiosity” about ISIS ideology.
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Uh, yeah. Curiosity.
Riiight.
For those who believe that … I have a bridge in New York City that you can buy.
The French military may not be the best, but their police are known to be among the finest in the world.