French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered heightened security at major events across the country in response to recent vehicle ramming attacks in Germany and the United States.
Retailleau’s directive, detailed in a memo to officials, urged maximum vigilance and reinforced security measures for cultural, festive, and sporting gatherings. The minister emphasised that the threat of terrorism in France remains high, citing recent attacks as proof of terrorists’ willingness to exploit vulnerabilities.
In December, a car drove through a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing six people and injuring 299. On New Year’s Day, a US Army veteran who allegedly pledged loyalty to the Islamic State killed 14 people in New Orleans using a pickup truck.
To mitigate risks, Retailleau recommended enhanced training for security personnel, stricter screening protocols, and robust protective measures, including improved traffic and evacuation plans. He also proposed that organisers of high-risk events restrict access under specific decrees.
