Share this @internewscast.com

PARIS — The number of people allowed to watch the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics along the Seine River in Paris will be capped at 325,000, the French government announced Tuesday, apparently confirming that original plans to offer tickets to hundreds of thousands of spectators had been scaled back.

The Interior Ministry said that roughly 100,000 paying spectators will be offered prime viewing spots on the lower part of the riverbanks and that 222,000 more people will be able to see the boat parade from a higher vantage point free of charge.

But that latter group of spectators will be chosen by the government, public authorities or the Olympic organizing committee, according to the ministry. No one without an invitation will be allowed in.

The International Olympic Committee did not immediately reply to an email requesting comment.

Two years ago, organizers had proposed making the July 26 opening festivities accessible to as many as 600,000 people, a grand gathering that would span 6 kilometers (roughly 3.7 miles), stretching from the east of Paris to the Trocadéro.

The Paris police prefecture last month slashed that proposed crowd size in half, to 300,000.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin was quoted as saying government officials were mindful of potential security risks.

“To manage crowd movement, we can’t tell everyone to come,” Darmanin said, according to The Associated Press. “For security reasons that everyone understands, notably the terrorist threat of recent weeks, we are obliged to make it free but contained.”

In recent years, French law enforcement officials have grappled with terrorism and politically motivated violence.

In 2015, Islamic State terrorists attacked the Bataclan theater, Paris cafes and France’s national stadium, killing 130 people. More recently, a man killed a German Filipino tourist with a knife and injured two other people with a hammer in an attack near the Eiffel Tower in December, which authorities said may have been driven in part by the attacker’s anger at the war in Gaza.

In a presentation to the French Senate, Darmanin said the nautical parade that marks the beginning of the games would include about 90 boats carrying 206 delegations, with 10,500 athletes participating.

Nancy Ing reported from Paris and Daniel Arkin from New York.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Questions grow about soldier’s Tesla Cybertruck attack at Trump Las Vegas hotel

Increasing Scrutiny Surrounds Soldier’s Alleged Tesla Cybertruck Incident at Trump Hotel in Las Vegas

The enigma behind the Tesla Cybertruck explosion near the Trump International Hotel…
Blue city repeat offender arrested nine times released again despite alleged violent history

Controversial Release: Blue City’s Repeat Offender with Violent Past Arrested 9 Times and Freed Again

A man from North Carolina is once again free after facing his…
Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Influential and Controversial Leader, Passes Away at 84

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney, a formidable conservative figure known for his…
Exclusive: Tulsi Gabbard visits US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Israel amid Trump peace push

Exclusive Insights: Tulsi Gabbard Explores US-Israel Civil-Military Strategy During Trump’s Peace Initiative

EXCLUSIVE: In a surprising move, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visited…
Man injured after being shot in driveway of Grand Park home, JSO says

Breaking: Man Seriously Injured in Grand Park Driveway Shooting – Latest Updates from JSO

In Jacksonville, Florida, a man is on the road to recovery after…
Avalanche in Nepal kills 7 climbers on Mount Yalung Ri

Tragic Avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri Claims Lives of Seven Climbers in Nepal

An avalanche on Monday devastated a camp in Nepal, claiming the lives…
DoorDasher's car used in Jacksonville police chase after being stolen mid-delivery, driver says

Stolen DoorDash Car Sparks High-Speed Police Chase in Jacksonville Amid Delivery

In an unsettling turn of events in Jacksonville, a local resident found…
ICE Chicago news: Federal immigration agents detain man at Prospect Heights, Illinois apartment complex, video shows

ICE Operation in Prospect Heights: Federal Agents Detain Man, Shocking Video Reveals

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — On Monday morning, just before 10 a.m.,…
Trump urges New Yorkers to vote Cuomo for mayor: 'He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!'

Trump Endorses Cuomo for New York Mayor: Criticizes Mamdani’s Qualifications

In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support…
Jake Paul’s upcoming match against Gervonta Davis has been canceled

Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Fight Canceled: Shocking Update for Boxing Fans

Jake Paul’s upcoming Netflix match against Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been canceled…
Suspects in foiled Halloween terror plot pictured practicing at Michigan gun range: FBI

FBI Unveils Images of Halloween Plot Suspects at Michigan Shooting Range

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Two men from Michigan have been charged with plotting…
'Cusp of revival': Blackshear city officials push for downtown business boom with new organization

Blackshear City Officials Launch Initiative to Revitalize Downtown Business Sector

In a bid to breathe new life into its downtown area, the…