The French sports minister stated that there is no “plan B” for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games following a deadly attack near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday. Amelie Oudea-Castera emphasized that there is a plan in place with several sub-plans and adjustment variables to account for security measures. The suspect in the attack, a 26-year-old French national, had declared allegiance to ISIS terrorist group in a video recorded prior to the incident – which has raised concerns for planned event locations. Despite this, the government is not considering changing the location of the opening ceremony from the River Seine.
The minister assured the public that they are capable of securing the event and that adjustments, such as the size of the security perimeter and additional cultural events, can be made as the Games draw closer. France has been on high alert since raising security measures following a terrorist attack in October, prompting concerns of lone wolf terrorists inspired by ISIS. Despite this, the event’s organizing committee is moving forward with plans for a spectacular ceremony that includes a voyage of 160 boats.