LONE WOLF TERROR FEARS AT OLYMPICS
45,000 guards for Paris showpiece
JEREMY ARMSTRONG
PARIS is preparing the biggest security operation in Olympic history this summer amid fears of a “lone wolf” terrorist.
BY in Paris
A solo assassin, like that from
1971 Frederick Forsyth thriller
The Day of the Jackal, has been identified as the main danger to the opening ceremony – to be held outside a stadium for the first time.
Some 160 boats will travel four miles along the River
PLAN Seine, carrying 10,000 athletes and officials on July 26. At least 45,000 security personnel will be stationed on streets r o o f t o p s and in buildings, and the military could also be called in.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he could move the ceremony into a stadium if safety is not guaranteed. But organisers told the Mirror the “show must go on” and say there is “no Plan B” for the parade, to be seen by a global TV audience of one billion. Another 350,000 spectators are expected to line the route, with 100,000 of them paying for front row seats.
A Paris 2024 spokesman said: “We will take lessons from previous Games, borrow from the best. There’s an echo of
London 2012, talks about using the army.”
With 392 events being held across 19 days the
Games’ scale will be the biggest challenge, with 11 million tickets sold – compared to just 2.9 million at football’s World Cup.
Mark England, chef de mission for Team GB, said it has studied the International Olympic Committee’s security plans and has “every confidence” in them. He added: “We believe we will have a ceremony nothing short of spectacular.” As in London, famous city landmarks will be used as backdrops.
Security experts have analysed plans from Paris civic chiefs and the IOC said it has a “very high level of confidence authorities will make the Games safe”. The IOC said: “All the necessary resources are being mobilised, with around 45,000 security personnel for the opening ceremony and around 35,000 for each of the other days, 24 hours a day.” Paris also hosted in 1900 and 1924.