France is currently on the highest level of alert following an attack in Arras, in the north-east of the country, where a man of Chechen origin stabbed a teacher to death and seriously injured three other adults.
“The Louvre has received a written message that there is a risk to the museum and its visitors,” a spokeswoman told AFP, announcing the closure on social media.
“We decided (…) to evacuate [lankytojus] and to close the museum for the day until we carry out all the necessary checks,” the spokeswoman added.
President Emmanuel Macron called Friday’s attack on a school in Arras, home to large Jewish and Muslim communities, an act of Islamist terrorism.
After a security meeting chaired by Macron on Friday, France’s threat level was raised to its highest level.
The suspected assailant, Mohammed Moguchkov, who is in his thirties, was arrested by the police.
Mr Moguchkov is from the predominantly Muslim southern Chechnya region of Russia.
A police source told AFP that a total of 10 people, including several family members of the attacker, had been detained in connection with Saturday’s attack. Another police source said two Belarusians were among the detainees.
Officials hint at a possible connection between the attack and the current violence in the Middle East.
The Louvre, the world’s largest museum, said it would refund people who bought tickets for Saturday.
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**Interview with Dr. Elise Moreau, Security Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Moreau. France is currently on high alert following the tragic attack in Arras. Can you provide some context on the implications of this incident?
**Dr. Moreau:** Certainly. The attack in Arras marks a troubling escalation in violence, particularly given the background of the assailant. When an event like this occurs, it raises significant concerns about security, not just in the immediate area, but across the entire country.
**Editor:** We also learned that the Louvre has closed down due to a written threat. How effective are such measures in ensuring public safety?
**Dr. Moreau:** Closing high-profile locations like the Louvre is a necessary precaution. It’s vital to mitigate the risk of further attacks, especially when there’s credible information about potential threats. These measures, while sometimes seen as inconvenient, are critical for maintaining public safety and preventing panic.
**Editor:** France’s alert level is at its highest. How does this affect daily life for citizens?
**Dr. Moreau:** When the alert level is raised, citizens can expect increased police presence, more rigorous security checks, and possibly even restrictions on gatherings. While it may feel restrictive, it’s important for the public to understand that these steps are taken to protect everyone.
**Editor:** What are the broader implications for France in light of such incidents?
**Dr. Moreau:** The broader implications involve societal tensions, especially regarding communities and integration policies. France has faced challenges related to radicalization, and events like this can exacerbate divisions. The government will need to address these underlying issues while ensuring national security.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights during this difficult time.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for healing and safety for everyone affected.
