Man arrested for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in Paris

A man was arrested in France on suspicion of planning a terror attack that could have targeted the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The Interior Ministry said the suspect also intended to attack members of the Jewish community in the capital.

Police detained the suspect after a traffic stop revealed a forged driving licence and led officers to examine his mobile device.

The phone stored images of firearms and knives, jihadist propaganda videos, ISIS‑related material posted on social media, and encrypted messages exchanged with contacts.

According to officials, the accused discussed knowledge of access routes to the Louvre, possible placement of explosives inside the museum, and the production of ricin toxin.

The 27‑year‑old Tunisian national was taken into custody on May 7 and remains in pre‑trial detention. An investigation was formally opened on Monday.

The French Anti‑Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the man is being held on the basis of “terrorist association” with intent to “commit crimes against individuals.”

In 2022 he entered Europe via Lampedusa—Italy’s southernmost island situated near Tunisia—and was living in the Paris region without residency status, officials told ABC News.

Last October, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum, the world’s most‑visited museum, and stole jewels valued at more than $102 million, according to the prosecutor’s office.