Attempted bomb attack at Bank of America in Paris: three suspects in custody
Explosive device discovered and removed before it could be ignited
The Bank of America headquarters is one of several institutions that have been reinforced with additional security measures
Google Maps screenshot
Paris police have arrested three suspects following a failed terror attack outside the Bank of America headquarters on Saturday morning. An explosive device, thought to be homemade, was removed by the police.
The failed attack occurred on Rue de la Boétie in the city’s eighth arrondissement at around 03:30 on March 28.
Officers on patrol noticed two hooded men dressed in dark clothing: one carried a bag while the other appeared to film the scene on a mobile phone.
The second man fled as police approached. The first suspect, purportedly a 17-year-old of Senegalese nationality, was arrested and placed in custody.
The device was an improvised incendiary consisting of a five-litre canister of liquid taped to a 650g explosive charge, according to reports in Le Monde.
The area was secured and the device sent to the central police laboratory for analysis. No injuries were reported.
Authorities say the 17-year-old was recruited via Snapchat and paid €600 to carry out the attack.
He told investigators he had been dropped at the site by a third party in a vehicle. The two additional suspects are believed to have assisted or observed, with one suspected of filming the attempted attack and fleeing during the initial arrest.
The Parquet national antiterroriste (PNAT) has opened an inquiry under charges including attempted destruction by fire in connection with a terrorist undertaking, manufacture and possession of an incendiary or explosive device, and terrorist conspiracy.
On Sunday morning (March 29), PNAT announced that a total of three suspects were in custody.
Investigations are being conducted jointly by Paris’ criminal police anti-terror section and the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI).
Security services on high alert
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the police response on X, stating: “Congratulations to the Paris police unit whose rapid intervention prevented a violent terrorist act tonight. Vigilance remains at the highest level. All security and intelligence forces are fully mobilised in the current international context.”
Mr Nuñez also drew a connection between the foiled attack and the war in the Middle East.
He cited similarities with recent European incidents, including attempts targeting American, Israeli, and Jewish sites in Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
“This case resembles operations seen in neighbouring countries that were claimed by groups referencing the conflict,” he said.
Security services have been on heightened alert since the outbreak of hostilities in Iran in late February.
In response, President Emmanuel Macron requested an expansion of Opération Sentinelle, the military and police operation established after the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks, to protect strategic sites and areas with high footfall, including train stations, embassies, and public spaces.
The Bank of America headquarters is one of several American and Israeli institutions in France that have been reinforced with additional security measures, including barriers, surveillance, and patrols.
Authorities emphasise that the attack does not appear to have been spontaneous, but rather the result of recruitment and coordination, possibly facilitated through social media.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the failed attack.
