French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that a man has been apprehended under suspicion of plotting an attack on the Olympic torch relay in Bordeaux.
Although he provided limited details, Darmanin commended the police for safeguarding security during Thursday’s relay.
Prosecutors disclosed that the suspect had penned a troubling message that “may equate to glorifying crime.” Additionally, they noted references made by the suspect to a prior mass shooting incident in the United States.
The Olympic flame made its way to Marseille earlier this month in preparation for the Paris Games, scheduled to commence on July 26th.
Paris 2024 organizers have discussed an unparalleled security endeavor, which includes an opening ceremony escorting over 10,000 athletes along the River Seine.
The Olympic flame was scheduled to reach Bordeaux late on Thursday afternoon following a series of events throughout the surrounding area commemorating its journey.
Frédérique Porterie, Bordeaux’s prosecutor, announced the initiation of an investigation prompted by an online message referencing the killing of six individuals in their late teens and early twenties precisely a decade ago in Isla Vista, California.
According to CNews, a post on the suspect’s profile mentioned Elliot Rodger, the Isla Vista perpetrator who harbored a profound hatred for women. Rodger’s assaults served as inspiration for individuals online who identified as “involuntarily celibate” or incels.
Porterie stated that the suspect, identified as Alex G, had no prior criminal record. However, a search of his residence resulted in the confiscation of a rubber pellet revolver, numerous mobile phones, and a computer.
The court in Bordeaux revealed that the suspect confessed to “having contemplated an unspecified act” but did not directly reference the Olympic flame relay.
He was also described as “psychologically highly fragile”.
The Olympic flame embarks on a 12,000km (7,500-mile) journey across mainland France and its overseas territories. Anti-drone specialists have teamed up with law enforcement to closely monitor its progress.
Originally slated to reach the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, recent riots over the past ten days have led organizers to cancel that segment of the route.