The iconic Louvre Museum in Paris was thrust into chaos on Saturday as French authorities ordered its complete evacuation following a chilling bomb threat. The world's most visited art museum, home to masterpieces including the Mona Lisa, emptied its halls in a major security operation that left thousands of visitors stranded outside.
According to a police official speaking to The Associated Press, the dramatic evacuation was triggered by a written bomb threat received by museum staff. The message sparked immediate action from security forces, who swiftly began clearing the vast museum complex in central Paris.
Tourists Left in Limbo
Visitors from around the world found their cultural excursions abruptly cut short as museum staff and security personnel directed everyone to exit the building. The scene outside the Louvre's famous glass pyramid turned to confusion and concern as crowds gathered, many unsure whether they would be able to return to see the museum's priceless collections.
One tourist captured the unfolding situation, telling Reuters: "We were in the Louvre and suddenly we heard an announcement that the museum was being evacuated." The swift response demonstrated the heightened security awareness at major European cultural sites following recent terror threats across the continent.
Ongoing Security Assessment
French police remained on high alert throughout the incident, conducting thorough searches of the premises to verify the threat's credibility. The Louvre, which attracts nearly 10 million visitors annually, has implemented rigorous security protocols in recent years, including bag checks and metal detectors at all entrances.
This incident marks another challenge for Parisian authorities tasked with protecting the city's cultural landmarks while maintaining their accessibility to international visitors. The museum's security teams worked in coordination with national police to ensure a systematic evacuation and subsequent safety checks.
As investigations continue, the Louvre joins a growing list of European cultural institutions facing security scares, highlighting the delicate balance between public access and protection in an era of persistent threats to major tourist destinations.
