Montparnasse Tower Evacuated: Paris Bomb Alert

Paris, France – Montparnasse Tower, a prominent landmark in the French capital, was evacuated on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a bomb threat. Police have established a security perimeter around the skyscraper, located in the 15th Arrondissement, and are conducting a thorough search of the building.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as security teams work to ensure the safety of the surrounding streets and buildings. While the exact nature of the threat remains unclear, local media reports indicate that the evacuation was prompted by an anonymous phone call received by police. Approximately 300 people were evacuated from the tower, according to reports.

This incident comes less than 24 hours after a similar threat led to the evacuation of the Eiffel Tower and the Montparnasse Tower on Thursday evening. Police subsequently determined that the initial threat to both landmarks was a false alarm, with experts finding no trace of explosives. Approximately 1,700 tourists were evacuated from the Eiffel Tower during that incident.

The timing of these threats is particularly sensitive, as France prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer. The coordinated nature of the recent incidents – involving two of Paris’s most iconic structures – raises concerns about potential attempts to disrupt the Games. Today’s evacuation of Montparnasse Tower follows reports of arson attacks targeting rail networks and a ‘bomb threat’ that led to the temporary closure of an airport, further compounding anxieties surrounding security for the Olympics.

The headquarters of France’s hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party was also evacuated earlier in the week, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after receiving a bomb threat, as reported by LFI’s national coordinator Manuel Bompard. This adds to a pattern of escalating security concerns within the country.

Montparnasse Tower, completed in 1973, is a 210-meter (689 ft) skyscraper and a significant feature of the Parisian skyline. It houses offices, restaurants, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city. The tower is a major commercial and tourist destination, and its evacuation represents a significant disruption to daily life in Paris.

The recent evacuations are also occurring against a backdrop of heightened security measures across Europe. Several countries have raised their threat levels in response to geopolitical instability and the potential for terrorist attacks. France, in particular, has been targeted by extremist groups in the past, leading to a sustained focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

The Paris police department has not released details regarding the nature of the threat to Montparnasse Tower, nor have they indicated whether it is linked to the previous incidents at the Eiffel Tower, the earlier evacuation of Montparnasse Tower, or the threat to the LFI headquarters. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the source of the threats and assess any potential risks.

The evacuation of Montparnasse train station, located adjacent to the tower, was also reported on November 14, 2025, according to online video reports, though the connection to the current threat is unconfirmed. This earlier incident involved a police alert and prompted a temporary shutdown of the busy transportation hub.

The repeated false alarms, coupled with the genuine security concerns surrounding the Olympics, are placing a strain on French security resources. Authorities are likely to review security protocols and consider additional measures to prevent future disruptions and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining security in a major global city, particularly in the lead-up to a high-profile international event.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow any instructions issued by law enforcement officials.