French prosecutors open terror probe after Bank of America attack attempt
Paris police and French intelligence agents are investigating after the suspect said he was contacted via Snapchat and paid 600 euros to carry out the bombing
French anti-terrorism prosecutors have opened an investigation into a suspected attack targeting Bank of America’s Paris headquarters after the reported overnight arrest of a man who allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive device outside the US bank’s premises.
In an emailed statement to reporters, the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office said the investigation involves the suspected attempted destruction by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist plot, as well as the manufacture, possession and transport of an incendiary or explosive device.
The investigation also includes a charge of participation in a terrorist criminal association, covering potential links to accomplices or a broader network. It has been entrusted to the Paris police judicial unit and France’s domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI.
French media earlier reported the arrest of a man at the scene, citing police sources.
“Well done to the rapid response team from the [Paris] police authority, whose actions thwarted a violent terrorist attack in Paris last night,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in a social media post.
“Vigilance remains at a higher level than ever. I congratulate all the security and intelligence forces, who are fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context.”