Security to be Strengthened in Paris During Biden's Visit

Security measures in Paris will be intensified in the coming days against the backdrop of U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to France to mark the 80th anniversary of Allied troops' landing in Normandy, the Paris police prefecture announced on Wednesday.

Earlier in the morning, Biden's plane landed at Paris Orly Airport, where he was greeted by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. During his stay in France, the U.S. leader will participate in the celebrations of the Normandy landings and will hold bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron regarding Ukraine, the Middle East, and climate issues.

The statement from the authorities read: “The President of the United States and the First Lady will be in France from June 5 to June 9, 2024, on Sunday. In this connection, security measures have been adopted by the police prefecture.” The statement was shared on social media, indicating that “the police have permitted the filming, recording, and transmission of images captured by cameras mounted on flying devices” to ensure security and prevent terrorism.

The permission is valid in the Paris area from the early morning of June 5 until 2 PM on June 9, the law enforcement agencies reported. On Wednesday morning, a separate authorization was granted from 9 AM to noon for similar recordings from helicopters “to secure the presidential motorcade's safety upon arrival.” This authorization applies not only to the capital but also to the Val-de-Marne suburban department, where Orly Airport is located, according to the statement.

Additionally, a security perimeter will be established in several districts of Paris during the American leader's visit. Accordingly, traffic will be closed in several streets in central Paris until Sunday, and on Saturday, June 8, traffic will be prohibited on the Champs-Élysées from morning until 11 PM, as reported by the police. On that day, the Bidens will be received by Macron.

Those wishing to enter the cordoned-off area will have to undergo a search by law enforcement officers, the statement added.