Three Arrested in Paris After Foiled Bomb Attack on Bank of America

French authorities have detained three individuals linked to a thwarted bombing attempt at the Bank of America headquarters in Paris. The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrests, detailing the incident that occurred in the city’s 8th arrondissement. The attack took place around 03:30 local time on Saturday, approximately two blocks from the Champs-Élysées, according to police reports shared with AFP.

Initially, a suspect was apprehended on-site after placing a device containing five litres of liquid—likely fuel—and an ignition system near the bank. A second person, who was filming with a mobile phone, fled when officers arrived. On Sunday, security agencies announced the arrest of two additional suspects, expanding the investigation launched on March 28, 2026.

Link to US-Israel Conflict

“Such attacks could be connected to the US-Israel campaign against Iran,” stated Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. “In these conflicts, Iranian intelligence is often believed to act through proxies. However, the final conclusion rests with the ongoing inquiry,” he added.

The first detainee, a minor, has had their custody extended under French law, which allows up to 96 hours of detention for terrorism-related cases. This period can be prolonged by a court. Nuñez highlighted that similar incidents have been prevented in other European countries, including the Netherlands, Britain, and Norway, urging heightened vigilance at transport hubs and critical locations.

Investigation Details

The anti-terrorism prosecutors are leading the probe, focusing on “attempted damage by fire or other hazardous methods tied to a terrorist plot” and “terrorist conspiracy.” Paris’s judicial police and the General Directorate for Internal Security are also assisting in the inquiry. The Iranian embassy has not yet responded to Nuñez’s remarks.