France raises terror alert to highest level in wake of Moscow concert hall attack

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., reacts to the deadly Moscow concert hall attack, the U.S. border crisis, and Congress’ government funding bill on ‘Fox News Sunday.’  

France raised its terror alert to the highest level in the wake of a Moscow concert hall attack that left at least 137 people and injured at least 182 others – just four months before Paris is to host the Olympics. 

"Following the attack in Moscow, a Defense and National Security Council was convened this evening at the Elysée by the President of the Republic," French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on X Sunday. "Given the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the attack and the threats weighing on our country, we have decided to raise the Vigipirate posture to its highest level: attack emergency."

The highest of three levels is declared under France's terror alert system when an attack at home or abroad is believed to be imminent. The highest level permits exceptional security measures, including increased patrols by armed forces in public places like train stations, airports and religious sites, Reuters reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month already scaled back the planned capacity of the Olympics opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Paris along the River Siene in July, citing broad concern about Islamic extremists potentially targeting the country, Politico reported. 

KAMALA HARRIS REJECTS PUTIN LINKING MOSCOW CONCERT ATTACK TO UKRAINE, SAYS ISIS 'BY ALL ACCOUNTS RESPONSIBLE'

French President Emmanuel Macron and French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal during the national tribute ceremony for Former French Justice Minister Robert Badinter at Place Vendome on Feb. 14, 2024 in Paris, France. Attal on Sunday raised the