French authorities have detained an “ultra-left activist” following extensive disruptions to the national railway system, SNCF, as Paris hosts the Olympics. The incident left thousands of travelers stranded and impacted nearly a million people over the weekend.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the arrest, explaining that the suspect was apprehended after breaking into a railway site in Rouen. Darmanin described the sabotage as “voluntary, very precise, and extremely well-targeted,” highlighting that such actions are typical of ultra-left activists. He expressed concern about the specific locations targeted, which were critical for communication.
“The question is whether they were manipulated or acting for their own benefit,” Darmanin said on France 2. “What has really interested and worried us is that these are extremely specific locations used for communication.”
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly found with spray paint cans, wire cutters, and keys for accessing SNCF technical rooms.
Before the Olympics opening ceremony, coordinated arson attacks led to significant disruptions when unidentified saboteurs cut signal cables and set fires. SNCF President Jean-Pierre Farandou stated, “The places were chosen specifically to have the heaviest impact. This is a sad day.”
Adding to the tension, a suspicious letter containing “black powder” and racial slurs was sent to Minister Darmanin and the Roubaix town hall. Initial tests suggested the substance might contain traces of the plague, but further analysis by the Institut Pasteur is ongoing.
Marina Ferrari, Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, condemned the sabotage and assured that efforts are ongoing to restore communication and services. “I condemn in the strongest terms these cowardly and irresponsible acts. Thank you to the teams mobilized this morning to carry out repairs and restore damaged sites to service,” Ferrari said.
As authorities continue their investigation, the disruptions have raised serious concerns about security during the high-profile Olympic Games in Paris.
