Paris Opens Olympic Games Under Strict Security Measures and After Arson Attacks

The Paris Olympics commenced on Friday under strict security measures and rainy skies, just a few hours after a coordinated arson attack crippled the French railway system and frayed the city's nerves. French organizers had spent years preparing for the country's big moment: An expansive and enigmatic opening ceremony, during which nearly 94 boats were to transport almost 7,000 athletes from 206 delegations along a nearly four-mile route. This route, passing monuments and under bridges, was meant to celebrate the city itself as an Olympic venue. For months, security had been a top priority, with authorities deploying more than 50,000 police officers to create a broad protective shield over and around the crowds expected to reach up to half a million people. The arson attacks on Friday morning – deliberately set fires intended to disrupt the start of the games – underscored how challenging this task would be. NBC and Peacock broadcast the ceremony live and will re-air it at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. For the first time, it did not take place within the confined borders of a stadium but on the Seine. Athletes traveled by boat through the heart of the dense, ancient city, while 500,000 spectators watched from stands and windows. The procession spanned 3.7 miles on the river, passing buildings of various eras, shapes, and sizes, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. NBA star LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and tennis star Coco Gauff carried the United States flag at the opening ceremony. Ukraine, participating for the first time since the Russian invasion in February 2022, was represented by professional tennis player Elina Svitolina and swimmer Mykhailo Romanchuk as flag bearers. A series of arson attacks on the French railway network disrupted services on three high-speed lines – the Atlantic, North, and East lines – forcing many trains to be canceled, the railway company SNCF said in a statement. The fires, set in signaling cables and described as "criminal," were all discovered at 4 a.m., according to Patrice Vergriete, France's transport minister. There were no reports of injuries or fatalities, but the damage to the high-speed lines caused significant delays as thousands of local and international travelers made their way to the opening ceremony and the games in Paris. Amélie Oudéa-Castera, France's minister of sport and the Olympics, said authorities were still assessing whether athlete transport over the weekend would be affected. Rail services are expected to be disrupted until Monday, affecting the plans of more than a million people, including French holidaymakers, Olympic participants, and tourists. The SNCF advised travelers to postpone their trips if possible.