French authorities apprehended a 26-year-old male, noted as Alex G., on Thursday ahead of the Olympic torch relay in Bordeaux due to concerns over potential violence, revealed French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Arrested in Gironde, the individual was suspected of planning an attack synchronized with the passing Olympic torch in Bordeaux’s area.
Bordeaux prosecutor Frédérique Porterie, in her statement, remarked that the suspect admitted to contemplating an act, but seemingly, he was indecisive about the target, and the Olympic torch relay was never specifically mentioned.
While Alex G. had no prior criminal record, he was associated with the “incel” movement, infamous for its calls for violence against women. His link to this group became a subject of concern for French authorities since May 17, when Alex posted online about a deadly shooting in California in 2014 and showed admiration for the shooter Elliot Rodger, who was also tied to the “incel” movement. Alex’s planned attack is suspected to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the California shooting.
At present, the Olympic flame is on an 11-week journey across France and is expected to pass through 450 towns before the commencement of the Olympic Games in Paris on July 26. In context with the Olympics, France has initiated various security measures in recent months to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
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