Security Increased in France Ahead of Presidential Elections

Security Increased in France Ahead of Presidential Election

There are many things to worry about when it comes to a presidential election; security is number one on that list. For France, the threats of the election have begun to show themselves.

Just a few days before citizens go to the polls, French authorities arrested two men on suspicion of planning an “imminent” attack ahead of the first round of the presidential election on Sunday.

French intelligence agents say the two men were French nationals and were known to authorities for having been radicalized.  They believe the two were ready to commit an attack on French soil “in the coming days” as they found weapons, explosives, six cell phones and an ISIS flag in an apartment rented by the suspects.

Authorities have warned the presidential candidates that an unnamed candidate’s campaign headquarters was the target of the attack. As a result, the security details for those in the running have been increased.

“We were warned Thursday that two individuals were preparing an attack on the headquarters of a major candidate. We were asked to strengthen the security of our headquarters and to limit travel by public transport. The police patrols were reinforced around the building,” a source close to centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron told local news.

French voters will go to the polls on Sunday, with the second round of voting scheduled for May 7. More than 50,000 soldiers and police will be deployed for both rounds of voting.  The country has been in a state of high alert since the terrorist attacks in 2015.

“Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our republic,” French Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said. “The security forces are mobilized everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly.”

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.