PARIS (AP) — A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
The incident came at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, and as Paris is on high security alert as it gears up to host the Summer Olympics in three months.
The suspect had been convicted for setting fire to the Iranian Embassy gates last year in what he called a protest against the Iranian government, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. The consulate and embassy are part of the same compound, in the ritzy 16th arrondissement of Paris and near the Seine River.
Iranian authorities did not comment publicly on what happened.
The man was spotted around 11 a.m. outside the consulate, and a witness told police he had a grenade and an explosives vest, according to a Paris police official. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to be publicly named under police policy.
She means business! Rita Ora steps out in chic tailored three
Spread of flu more prevalent than COVID
Chinese armed forces deploy multiple rescue forces in response to Gansu earthquake
China continues to enhance public medical services
Erling Haaland is a doubt for Man City's FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea
Xinjiang braces for more passenger train suspensions amid extreme weather
China continues to enhance public medical services
Dedicated efforts bolster nation's health defenses
Taylor Swift teases Fortnight's black
Excitement builds in Leverkusen ahead of expected Bundesliga title win
Italian court drops charges against migrant rescue ship crews and ends long
Prefabricated houses set up at temporary relocation sites in quake