The ambitious nature of the Paris Olympics posed challenges for security measures, yet French security forces successfully ensured the safety of athletes and fans, earning praise from Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin for their excellent performance.
The fortnight-long sports event that concluded on Sunday resulted in an unprecedented security operation in recent French history, involving about 75,000 police, soldiers, and private security guards on the evening of July 26.
During the past two weeks, there were some events like an assault on the French train system and a spectator disrupting the men’s 100m final, but thankfully to police because none of them negatively impacted the overall event, much to the relief of the organizers.
Last week, Darmanin visited officers in Marseille, southern France, and mentioned the Olympic Games bringing French medals and a gold medal for the ministry of the interior and security forces.
His remarks indicated a feeling of contentment and self-approval, showing the significant concerns and uncertainties about France’s limited resources being capable of handling the Games.
Their initial challenge was to ensure the safety of the Olympic torch relay, which involved traveling through 450 French towns and cities along with overseas territories.
Next, there were surprising parliamentary elections in July, then the historic unveiling ceremony along a six-kilometer (four-mile) section of the River Seine that had been causing planners anxiety since its introduction in 2021.
Finally, the 300,000 ticketed onlookers at the riverbanks were only bothered by heavy rain, while the capital’s streets were filled with officers in uniform due to flooding.
Those of us who have been present have witnessed the security measures in place. “It’s remarkable,” stated Nicole Deal, who serves as the chief of security for Team USA, on the day of the ceremony. “I have never witnessed (something) similar to this in any other Games.”
In two weeks of competition, packed stadiums were seen as 743,000 individuals attended sports venues on one day, July 30th.
Additional competitions, ranging from triathlons to marathons, occurred along the city’s streets.
Approximately one million people gathered along the route of the men’s and women’s cycling road races on August 3-4.
French security services unquestionably deserve a gold medal,” said AFP renowned French criminologist and university professor Alain Bauer, who is known for criticizing the open-air opening ceremony format.
He attributed the reduction in the size of the opening ceremony crowd to “outstanding investment” and “necessary adjustments” following pressure from the interior ministry.
French officials claimed that Russia, after being banned from the Games, was suspected of planning to undermine them, prompting France’s cyber-security agency to be vigilant against potential attacks targeting the organizing committee, ticketing, or transport.
The apprehension of a 40-year-old individual believed to be affiliated with Russian secret services right before the Games made people very anxious.
The conflict in Gaza, along with France’s background of domestic terrorism and far-right extremism, also sparked concerns about a potential attack that could disrupt the celebration.
However, not everyone has viewed the security operation as cause for celebration.
Charities voiced strong objections to the harsh policing of homeless individuals, sex workers, and migrants leading up to the Games, as anti-Olympics protest groups claim they have been hindered in exercising their democratic freedoms.
Approximately 45 members of the Extinction Rebellion climate change protest group were arrested by authorities the day following the commencement event as they planned to take control of a bridge spanning the River Seine in downtown Paris.
The “Saccage 2024” group, known for organizing “Toxic Tours” to showcase the negative aspects of the Olympics, reported being stopped from leading a group of approximately 20 individuals on a tour of locations in northern Paris last week.
Approximately 30 riot police officers and four police cars stopped the tour, leading to the questioning of three members of the collective at a nearby police station.
The group stated on Instagram that none of the arrested individuals faced charges upon the conclusion of police custody, indicating that the incident was actually aimed at intimidating them.