French officials have cleared the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower after a man was observed climbing the famous structure just hours before the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.
The shirtless individual was seen ascending the enormous tower on Sunday afternoon, August 11.
It remains uncertain where he initiated his climb, but he was noticed just above the Olympic rings situated on the second section of the monument, above the first viewing deck.
Following this, police began escorting tourists and locals away from the area at around 3pm local time.
Some individuals who were temporarily locked on the second floor were permitted to leave approximately 30 minutes later.
A Paris police official informed the Associated Press: “An individual started climbing the Eiffel Tower at 2.45pm, police intervened and the person was detained.”
The closing ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Stade de France, away from the Eiffel Tower, is set to commence around 9pm local time this evening.
Over 30,000 police officers have been deployed throughout Paris and the surrounding regions for today’s closing ceremony and final events where medals are still being contested.
France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, stated that about 3,000 police officers will be stationed around the Stade de France.
Darmanin also mentioned that 20,000 police officers and other security personnel will be mobilized late into Sunday night in Paris and the Saint-Denis area to ensure safety on the final day of the 2024 Olympics.
As Paris concludes its hosting duties, there will be a handover to Los Angeles in preparation for the 2028 Games.
The handover segment will be hosted by tennis pro Venus Williams and will feature performances by Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg.
Celine Dion captivated audiences at the opening ceremony, delivering a performance she did for free.
Proceedings ended with Dion’s striking rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne A L’Amour’ from the Eiffel Tower, marking her first performance since disclosing her battle with ‘stiff person’ syndrome.
A report from a prominent US publication suggested the 56-year-old would receive $2 million for performing one song.
However, this was quickly refuted by the Olympic committee.
They stated: “Contrary to information relayed in the media, the performers who will perform during the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance.”
They continued: “This commitment on their part – under these conditions – reflects their desire to participate in a historic event for France and for the world of sport.”
Additionally, they clarified: “Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organization costs, as is customary.”
They concluded: “Paris 2024 reminds that the budget of the organizing committee is 96 percent financed by private funding and that at no time do public contributions pay the artistic teams.”