The world-renowned Louvre Museum in central Paris became the centre of a major security alert on Saturday after authorities received a chilling written bomb threat. The iconic cultural institution was immediately evacuated as a precautionary measure, leaving thousands of visitors confused and concerned.
French police swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the museum, including the famous glass pyramid entrance that has become synonymous with the Parisian landmark. Security forces conducted thorough searches of the premises while evacuated tourists gathered in nearby areas, many expressing frustration at having their cultural visits abruptly interrupted.
The evacuation comes at a particularly sensitive time for France, which recently raised its national terror alert level to the highest setting following a fatal knife attack in northern France. The 'Urgent Attentat' alert status indicates authorities believe another terrorist incident is imminent.
This isn't the first security scare to hit the Louvre in recent years. In 2017, soldiers stationed at the museum shot and wounded a man who attacked them while shouting 'Allahu Akbar'. The latest incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing major tourist attractions across Europe.
As one of the world's most visited museums, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors daily, the Louvre represents both a cultural treasure and a potential security vulnerability. The museum houses priceless artifacts including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, making it a symbol of French cultural heritage that requires constant protection.
Authorities have confirmed that bomb disposal experts were deployed to assess the situation, though specific details about the nature of the written threat remain undisclosed. The investigation continues as French security forces work to determine the credibility of the threat and identify those responsible.
