At approximately 0800 EST, initial reports indicated that a man wearing an explosive belt was threatening to detonate the device at the Iranian Consulate in Paris. The man was reportedly seeking revenge for the death of his brother at the hands of the Iranian government.
? [Info @Valeurs] Un individu s'est rendu à l'ambassade d’Iran dans le 16e à Paris ce vendredi vers 11h et aurait été signalé comme portant une ceinture d'explosifs. D’après des témoins, il aurait mis des drapeaux du consulat au sol et aurait dit vouloir venger la mort de son…
— Amaury Brelet (@AmauryBrelet) April 19, 2024
By 0830 EST French police and BRI units had surrounded the Iranian Consulate and began negotiating with the man. By 0845 French police had entered the consulate and arrested the man who they found to not have any explosives on his person or his vehicle. According to local news outlets, this man has been known to police and attempted similar demonstrations.
? Intrusion au Consulat d'Iran à Paris : l'individu a été interpellé, il est connu des services de police pour de précédents actes similaires pic.twitter.com/SwkjAM23US
— franceinfo (@franceinfo) April 19, 2024
The U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a warning for U.S. citizens to avoid the area. However, it does seem as of this publication that the threat to the public has ceased.
#SecurityAlert Paris authorities request people stay away from the vicinity of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Paris’ 16 arrondissement in light of the ongoing security operation. Americans are advised to avoid the area and follow instructions from local authorities. Please… pic.twitter.com/DNvgv9zpvB
— U.S. Embassy France (@USEmbassyFrance) April 19, 2024
