French police thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris on Saturday, authorities said. Police detained one suspect, while another suspect escaped as the incident unfolded near the premises.
The national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, or PNAT, told The Associated Press that it opened an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offenses connected to the planned attack. The suspected offenses described by authorities include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, and the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage. Authorities also cited alleged involvement in a terrorist criminal association.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the response, saying, “Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris,” according to his remarks. Nuñez also said, “Vigilance remains at a very high level,” and added that he commended security and intelligence forces, “fully mobilized under my authority in the current international context.”
RTL radio, citing police sources, reported that the incident took place early Saturday after officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the Bank of America location in the capital’s 8th arrondissement. RTL said one suspect, holding a lighter, was attempting to ignite a device, while the second suspect managed to escape. The Paris police prefecture declined to comment.
Nuñez said earlier this week that since the Iran war began, French authorities have increased personal protection of some figures from the Iranian opposition and stepped up security around sites that could be a target. He cited sites linked to U.S. interests and to the Jewish community as part of that heightened preparation.