A wave of bomb threat emails forced the urgent evacuation of several prominent sites across Paris on Friday evening, sending security services scrambling and prompting precautionary lockdowns at some of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks.
French broadcaster BFMTV first reported that at least five separate locations were affected shortly before 6 p.m., after authorities received warnings suggesting potential explosive devices had been planted in busy public buildings.
Among the first to act was Tour Montparnasse, the city’s tallest office tower, where security officials initiated a rapid evacuation of workers and visitors. Witnesses described alarms sounding through the building as crowds were directed outside in an orderly but tense atmosphere.
Students and staff were also told to leave Sciences Po, one of France’s most prestigious higher education institutions. Administrators quickly suspended evening activities while police secured the surrounding streets and inspected the premises.
The scare widened as reports emerged that additional venues had received similar threats. According to the daily newspaper Le Figaro, authorities were alerted to possible risks at other high-profile sites, prompting a broader security response.
The iconic Eiffel Tower was also reportedly mentioned in the threatening messages. However, officials ultimately decided not to evacuate the monument after initial assessments found no immediate danger. Tourist access continued under reinforced surveillance.
Elsewhere, the historic concert hall Bataclan and at least one shopping center were flagged as potential targets. Officers conducted precautionary checks, with several entrances temporarily restricted while searches were carried out.
Public radio network France Info said multiple emails referencing coordinated bombings had been sent to authorities earlier in the day. The messages raised concerns of a deliberate attempt to disrupt public life and strain emergency services.
The operation has been coordinated by the Paris Prefecture, which deployed specialized bomb disposal units and sniffer dogs to inspect buildings and surrounding areas. Police vehicles and ambulances were visible across several neighborhoods as teams methodically cleared each site.
By late evening, officials confirmed that no explosive devices had been discovered. Nevertheless, evacuations remained in place for several hours while security sweeps were completed and buildings deemed safe for re-entry.
Authorities stressed that the measures were precautionary and designed to minimize any risk to the public. “When we receive credible threats, we treat them seriously,” a police spokesperson said, noting that rapid evacuations are standard protocol.
Commuters were advised that public transportation services were largely unaffected, although some roads near the Montparnasse district were temporarily closed. British outlet Express UK reported that residents were urged to avoid parts of the 15th arrondissement while checks continued.
For many Parisians, the incident revived memories of past security scares and underscored the city’s ongoing vigilance against potential threats. Offices closed early, and some cultural events were postponed as a precaution.
Local shopkeepers near Montparnasse described a sudden rush of people exiting nearby buildings. “We saw hundreds coming out at once,” said one café owner. “There was no panic, but everyone was clearly worried.”
Students at Sciences Po said they received instructions through internal alerts and staff announcements. “We were told to leave calmly and wait for further information,” one student explained. “Police were already outside when we got there.”
Security experts say false threats, even when unfounded, can have significant logistical impacts. Emergency deployments divert resources and cause temporary disruption, while investigators must determine whether the messages were hoaxes or part of a coordinated intimidation attempt.
Police have opened an inquiry to trace the origin of the emails. Digital forensics teams are reportedly examining servers and communications data to identify those responsible.
As of Saturday morning, all affected buildings had reopened, though patrols remained visible around key sites. Officials urged residents to stay alert but continue daily activities as normal.
While the scare ultimately proved to be a false alarm, it served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between urban life and security — and the speed with which authorities must act when faced with even the possibility of danger.