Arsonists targeted France’s high-speed rail network in a coordinated attack that paralyzed train travel to Paris for 800,000 people across Europe, including athletes heading to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The fires disrupted train routes into the city from all directions by targeting critical signaling cables in remote locations outside of Paris. While there were no reported injuries, the sabotage caused widespread disruptions and delays for travelers.
French authorities did not comment on who was responsible for the attacks, but Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described them as premeditated and calculated. The CEO of national railway company SNCF estimated that 800,000 customers were affected by the fires, which were strategically placed to have the most significant impact by cutting off two rail lines each.
The attacks occurred amidst heightened security measures in Paris for the Olympic Games, with thousands of police officers deployed daily and increased surveillance with drones. The arson attempts were seen as a threat to the French people, and prosecutors in Paris opened a national investigation with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for those responsible.
Despite the disruptions, repairs were underway, and train traffic began to resume in the afternoon, with the expectation that most trains would be operational again by Saturday. The attacks were condemned by world leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasized the importance of rejecting violence during a peaceful festival like the Olympics. The disruption of the rail network was seen as an attempt to harm France and disrupt the Games, but authorities worked to ensure minimal impact on the event.
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