French authorities thwart explosive plot near American financial institution in Paris

A dramatic scene unfolded outside the Bank of America building in Paris' 8th arrondissement on March 28, 2026, as a policeman stood guard alongside police and private security vehicles following a thwarted bomb attack attempt, captured in a photo by Sebastien DUPUY / AFP.

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French authorities foiled an apparent bomb attack outside a US bank in Paris early on Saturday, arresting a man on the verge of detonating a homemade explosive device, according to officials and sources familiar with the case.

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The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 am (0130 GMT) near a Bank of America building in the upscale 8th arrondissement, just a short distance from the famous Champs-Elysees.

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Police swiftly apprehended the suspect after he had placed a device comprising five litres of liquid, believed to be fuel, and an ignition system, which was later found to contain 650 grams of explosive powder, according to preliminary assessments.

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The entire device was subsequently transported to the Paris police's forensics lab for thorough examination and analysis.

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France's counter-terrorism prosecutor's office has assumed control of the investigation and confirmed that the detained suspect is currently in police custody, with the probe focusing on "attempted damage by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist undertaking" and a "terrorist criminal conspiracy".

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The Paris judicial police and France's domestic intelligence agency, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), are both participating in the investigation, as disclosed by the prosecutor's office.

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Laurent Nunez, France's interior minister, took to X to commend the swift response of the police officers, citing "the current international situation" and the heightened domestic vigilance in European countries due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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Nunez emphasized that, in France, "vigilance remains more than ever at a high level", underscoring the need for continued caution and alertness.