Paris Bomb Threats Explained: Tour Montparnasse & Sciences Po Evacuated

On February 20, 2026, Paris experienced a major security alert as two of the city's most prominent landmarks—the 210-meter Tour Montparnasse skyscraper and the prestigious Sciences Po university—were evacuated following bomb threats received around 6:00 PM local time. The coordinated threats, which also reportedly mentioned the Eiffel Tower, prompted immediate police response and precautionary evacuations affecting thousands of workers, students, and tourists in the French capital.

What Happened During the Paris Bomb Threats?

According to French news channel BFMTV, authorities received multiple emails threatening explosive devices at several Paris landmarks around 6:00 PM on February 20, 2026. The Tour Montparnasse, one of Paris's tallest buildings standing at 212 meters with approximately 5,000 daily workers and popular tourist observation decks, was immediately evacuated. Simultaneously, Sciences Po Paris—the elite political science institute that trains France's future leaders—was also cleared as a security precaution.

Police conducted thorough searches of both locations using sniffer dogs and specialized teams, with operations lasting several hours. "We take all threats seriously and follow established security protocols," a Paris police spokesperson stated. No explosives were found at either location, and both buildings were declared safe after comprehensive inspections.

Key Locations Affected

The bomb threats specifically targeted three major Paris landmarks:

• Tour Montparnasse: The 59-floor office skyscraper completed in 1973, which remains the tallest building within Paris city limits and features observation decks on the 56th floor attracting thousands of tourists daily.
• Sciences Po Paris: The prestigious Institute of Political Studies founded in 1872, located in central Paris and known for educating French political and administrative elites.
• Eiffel Tower: Although mentioned in police reports, the iconic landmark was not evacuated, with authorities determining it didn't require immediate clearance based on threat assessment.

Context: Regular Bomb Threats in Paris

This incident follows a pattern of frequent security alerts in European capitals that have become increasingly common in recent years. According to Le Parisien, bomb threats occur regularly in the French capital, with a similar incident occurring just days earlier at the headquarters of the radical-left political party La France Insoumise (LFI).

The LFI threat was particularly sensitive as it referenced the recent death of 23-year-old French student and activist Quentin Deranque, who died from injuries sustained in a violent assault. One of the suspects arrested in that case was reportedly an LFI employee, adding political tension to the security situation.

France's Security Landscape

France has experienced significant terrorist threats over the past decade, with 2015 being particularly deadly due to the Charlie Hebdo and November Paris attacks. According to terrorism statistics, France has recorded 2,654 terrorist incidents since 1970, resulting in 1,247 deaths and 2,559 injuries—the second highest in Western Europe after the UK.

The country remains Europe's most affected by Islamist terrorism, with 82 Islamist attacks and 332 deaths recorded between 1979 and 2021. This context explains the heightened security protocols in French cities and the precautionary approach taken during incidents like the February 2026 threats.

Police Response and Security Procedures

French authorities followed established counter-terrorism protocols during the evacuations:

1. Immediate Threat Assessment: Police evaluated the credibility of emailed threats received around 6:00 PM
2. Precautionary Evacuations: Buildings were cleared even before searches began as a safety measure
3. Comprehensive Searches: Specialized teams with sniffer dogs conducted thorough inspections
4. Area Securing: Police cordoned off affected areas, particularly around the 15th arrondissement where Tour Montparnasse is located
5. Public Communication: Authorities urged people to avoid affected areas while maintaining public transportation operations

The Paris Prefecture coordinated the operation, deploying significant resources to ensure public safety while minimizing disruption to the city.

Impact and Implications

The February 2026 bomb threats highlight several important trends in urban security:

• Economic Impact: The evacuation of Tour Montparnasse affected approximately 5,000 workers and disrupted business operations in one of Paris's major commercial centers
• Educational Disruption: Sciences Po's evacuation interrupted classes and administrative functions at one of France's most important educational institutions
• Tourism Concerns: With Tour Montparnasse's observation decks being popular tourist attractions, the incident raised questions about security at major visitor sites
• Psychological Effect: Regular bomb threats contribute to public anxiety about security in major cities

Security experts note that while most bomb threats prove to be hoaxes, authorities must treat each one seriously. "The cost of ignoring a real threat is simply too high," explained a European counter-terrorism analyst. "These precautionary evacuations, while disruptive, are necessary for public safety."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What buildings were evacuated in Paris on February 20, 2026?

Tour Montparnasse skyscraper and Sciences Po Paris university were evacuated following bomb threats. The Eiffel Tower was mentioned in reports but not evacuated.

Were any explosives found during the searches?

No explosives were found at either Tour Montparnasse or Sciences Po Paris after thorough police searches with sniffer dogs.

How common are bomb threats in Paris?

According to French media, bomb threats occur regularly in Paris, with similar incidents happening frequently at various locations including political party headquarters and public institutions.

What time did the threats come in?

Authorities received the bomb threat emails around 6:00 PM local time on February 20, 2026, prompting immediate response and evacuations.

How tall is Tour Montparnasse?

Tour Montparnasse stands at 210 meters (689 feet) with 59 floors, making it the tallest building within Paris city limits and the fourth tallest in France.

Sources

BFMTV Report on Paris Evacuations

Le Parisien Coverage of Bomb Threats

Wikipedia: Terrorism in France Statistics