Man climbs Eiffel Tower, hoists US flag on 250th Independence Day, arrested
A man scaled the Eiffel Tower on Saturday afternoon, hoisting an American flag between the second and third floors before being arrested. The incident, on the 250th anniversary of US independence, prompted a temporary evacuation of the esplanade and upper floors.
The climb
Around 15:45 on Saturday, a man was spotted scaling the Eiffel Tower between the second and third floors. He hung an American flag on the structure, according to a police source cited by AFP. Passersby posted images on social media.
Arrest and evacuation
The man was arrested when he reached the third floor. The esplanade and the second and third floors were temporarily evacuated. He was taken into custody at the police station of the 7th arrondissement on charges of "endangering the lives of others," the police source said.
endangering the lives of others
The flag was later removed by the intervention and protection group (GIP) of the Paris police prefecture's public order and traffic directorate (DOPC).
- Man seen climbing between second and third floors
- US flag hung on the tower
- Man arrested upon reaching the third floor
- Esplanade and upper floors temporarily evacuated
- Flag removed by police intervention group (GIP)
Symbolic timing
The incident occurred on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence. The night before, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in blue, white, and red with the letters "USA" and the number "250" displayed on the first floor.
No motive
The climber gave no explanation for his actions, the police source said. He remains in custody.
