French prosecutors open terror probe after Bank of America attack attempt

French anti-terrorism prosecutors have opened an investigation into a suspected attack targeting Bank of America’s Paris headquarters after the reported overnight arrest of a man who allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive ‌device outside the US bank’s premises.

In an emailed statement to reporters, the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office said the investigation involves the suspected attempted destruction by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist plot, as well as the manufacture, possession and transport of an incendiary or explosive device.

The investigation also includes a charge of participation in a terrorist criminal association, covering potential links to accomplices ⁠or a broader network. It has been entrusted to the Paris police judicial unit and France’s domestic intelligence agency, ‌the DGSI.

French media earlier reported the arrest of a man at the scene, citing police sources.

“Well done to the rapid response team ‌from the [Paris] police authority, whose actions thwarted a violent terrorist attack in Paris last night,” French ⁠Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said ⁠in a social media post.

“Vigilance remains at a higher level than ever. I congratulate all the security and intelligence forces, who ‌are fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context.”