Man Scales Eiffel Tower Ahead of Olympic Closing Ceremony, Prompts Evacuations

French police evacuated the Eiffel Tower area after a man was seen climbing the landmark shortly before the Olympics closing ceremony. Visitors were briefly locked on the second floor and later allowed to exit. The incident happened as security efforts heightened, with 30,000 officers deployed across Paris.

French police evacuated the area around the Eiffel Tower after a man was seen climbing the Parisian landmark hours before the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday.

The shirtless climber was observed scaling the 330-metre (1,083-foot) tower in the afternoon, seen above the Olympic rings on the second section. Police cleared the area around 3 pm, and some visitors on the second floor were allowed to exit 30 minutes later.

The Eiffel Tower, a centerpiece for the opening ceremony, does not feature in the closing event planned for Stade de France. The incident occurred as the Olympics wind down and security intensifies, with over 30,000 police officers deployed across Paris. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed 3,000 officers will guard Stade de France, while 20,000 will cover Paris and Saint-Denis for the closing night.