Millions of visitors and thousands of athletes are set to converge on Paris for the Summer Olympic Games. The organizers are faced with addressing potential security threats, including protests, terrorism, and cyberattacks, which remain a significant concern.
Historically, the Olympics have been a target for violence, such as the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Games where 11 Israeli athletes were killed, and the 1996 Atlanta Games bomb blast which resulted in one death and over a hundred injuries.
To mitigate such risks, France is taking robust measures, deploying 35,000 police daily, with numbers increasing to 45,000 during the Opening Ceremony, according to a French interior ministry spokesperson. Additionally, 10,000 soldiers will be present in the Paris area, supported by 1,800 international police officers.
A further 20,000 private security personnel will also be deployed, as reported by Reuters.
The Opening Ceremony is slated for a unique setting on July 26, taking place on the River Seine, expected to be witnessed by over 324,000 spectators along its banks and surrounding areas. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has stated that an “anti-terrorist security perimeter” will be established well in advance of the ceremony to ensure safety.
Security measures include rigorous checks and a strictly controlled zone along the riverbanks, which will be closed off ahead of the ceremony, as explained by Nicolas Nordman, Deputy Paris Mayor in charge of security.
Paris’s history of terrorism, including the 2015 attacks which resulted in 130 deaths, adds to the urgency of comprehensive security preparations. Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, notes that France’s international stance and demographic diversity create both supporters and detractors, contributing to security complexities.
Amidst growing domestic unrest, influenced by recent polarized elections, security officials have already acted, detaining an individual from the extreme-right suspected of planning violence during the Olympic torch relay. France has also restricted nearly 4,000 individuals, encompassing various extremist groups, from attending the Games.
Authorities are particularly vigilant towards Russian and Belarusian citizens, with advanced security measures including AI-driven video analysis being employed to safeguard the events.
The military presence will be significant, with General Eric Chasboeuf mentioning an unprecedented security setup in Paris, comparable to measures unseen since World War II.
Additionally, cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with potential threats to national infrastructure being monitored continuously, highlighting the complex security landscape facing the Paris Olympic Games.
