Just hours after a deadly terrorist attack in Melbourne, Australia, police in Paris thwarted a potential terrorist attack in what is being called a “hammer attack” outside of Notre Dame cathedral.
According to reports, the iconic French landmark is on lockdown as police take control of the situation after a man attacked police with a hammer before being disarmed.
DEVELOPING: Paris police warn the public to stay away from the area surrounding Notre Dame Cathedral as an incident is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/wp74TYuLRu
— ABC News (@ABC) June 6, 2017
Un policier blessé, assaillant neutralisé #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/C4sSKfocue
— Jonathan Moadab (@Jonathan_RTfr) June 6, 2017
Notre-Dame: de nombreux effectifs se dirigent vers le lieu pic.twitter.com/FWWAGJzoW0
— David Perrotin (@davidperrotin) June 6, 2017
From The Sun:
It is so far unclear if the alleged gunshots came from cops arriving at the scene. French TV reported that an officer shot a man acting “aggressively”, although this has not been confirmed.
A journalist with channel Europe 1 said an attacker lunged at an officer with a hammer. Visitors have told of barricading themselves inside the cathedral while shocking video shows armed cops rushing to the scene.
Notre Dame has 13.6million visitors a year and is the most popular tourist attraction in France.
The Sun captured tweets of individuals who were forced to remain in the cathedral as the event unfolded:
Everyone is safe! #NotreDamedeParis pic.twitter.com/7OmNso737T
— Matthew CurrieHolmes (@mch2k) June 6, 2017
Paris, parvis de Notre-Dame : un policier a tiré sur un homme qui l’a attaqué à coup de marteau. L’agresseur est blessé. #Europe1
— Guillaume BIET (@GuillaumeBiet) June 6, 2017
so we are trapped in Notre Dame Cathedral. Something is happening outside we don’t know what it is. Police sirens can be heard #NotreDame
— Matthew CurrieHolmes (@mch2k) June 6, 2017
Shots were fired in front of Notre Dame a few minutes ago, we had been there, but had just crossed the street. People ran everywhere.
— Neal Sanche (@thorinside) June 6, 2017
🔴Parvis de #NotreDame Intervention en cours des effectifs de police, évitez le secteur
— Préfecture de police (@prefpolice) June 6, 2017
It is unknown what this individual’s motives are, but given the recent attacks in London and Australia, it is not inconceivable that this was an attempted act of terrorism.
Do you think this is just a random attack, or an act of terror? Let us know in the comments.