Official statements from French authorities or relevant security agencies

French Authorities Foil Islamist-Inspired Attack on Paris Olympic Soccer Events in Saint-Etienne

May 31, 2024, 03:18 PM

French security authorities have foiled a plan to attack soccer events during the Paris Olympics. The French interior minister announced that an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of planning an Islamist-inspired attack. The suspect allegedly intended to target the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne during the Olympic football matches scheduled for July and August. The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor (PNAT) indicated that the individual was accused of planning the attack under the banner of the Islamic State and associating with terrorists. This foiled plot marks the 50th attack prevented by French authorities since 2017.