The Eiffel Tower was evacuated after a shirtless British man was seen climbing the structure just hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.
The man, who scaled the 1,083-foot tower without any safety gear, was recorded standing on top of the blue Olympic ring before continuing his ascent. Footage shows him reaching halfway up the tower with only a bag of chalk for assistance.
French police later arrested him and charged him with endangering others and trespassing on a historic site. The Paris Prosecutor’s office confirmed the man’s nationality and charges.
Witnesses reported that security quickly cordoned off the area, and visitors inside the tower were temporarily locked on the second floor before being allowed to leave.
Specialist climbing police were sent to check the tower for any suspicious activity after it was cleared.
Meanwhile, tourists waiting to visit the tower expressed frustration on social media after being turned away.
The tower is not expected to be used in the closing ceremony, which will take place at the Stade de France later in the evening.
France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced the mobilization of 23,000 police officers for the event, with 3,000 stationed around the stadium.
The ceremony follows Team GB’s achievement of 65 medals, including 14 golds, at Paris 2024, their lowest gold medal count in 20 years.
