PARIS – French police on Friday arrested a man who entered the Iranian Consulate, adjacent to the Iranian Embassy, in the 16th arrondissement in Paris.
The police condoned off the site for four hours, after a report by a by-passer, who signaled that a man had entered the building carrying a grenade or an explosive vest.
It is unclear how the man was detained, as the consulate staff initially refused to let the special security intervention unit enter the building. French BFM television said the man exited the building unarmed. The police established a heavy presence and searched the area. The man reportedly had threatened the consulate staff, saying he wanted to avenge his brother. No other details were revealed regarding his motivation or identity.
According to France's BFMTV, the man arrested is the same person detained last September after allegedly setting fire to a tire outside the consulate. Identified at the time only as Nicolas K-M, and said to be a French national born in Tehran, he was charged and released during the proceedings. Police did not confirm whether the person detained today is indeed that same individual.
The neighborhood around the consulate, not far from Trocadero Square, is home to several embassies and consulates. It attracts tourists visiting nearby monuments and museums.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
