Security forces have evacuated the Palace of Versailles due to a reported dispute between two street vendors that escalated when one of them pulled out a knife. Visitors were urged to leave the area immediately as officials declared that an intervention was underway at the Château de Versailles. The GIGN elite police tactical unit was deployed to the scene, with social media images showing heavily armed units surrounding the palace. Despite the intense security operation, there is no indication that the incident is related to terrorism.
The Palace of Versailles, a renowned historical site located west of Paris, attracts millions of visitors annually. It holds significant historical value as it was commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 1600s and served as the site for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, marking the end of World War I.
Witnesses outside the palace reported being evacuated while waiting in line to enter the building. They observed security forces entering the premises as the situation unfolded. The timing of this incident is noteworthy, as it precedes the upcoming French parliamentary elections and the highly anticipated Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris this summer.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are working to verify information regarding the fleeing vendor with a knife. The safety and security of visitors and residents in the area remain a top priority as the security operation progresses. Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking news story.