Tunisian Man Arrested for Alleged Terror Plot Targeting Louvre Museum
A 27-year-old Tunisian man, Dhafer Mellala, was arrested in Paris on May 7, 2026, for allegedly planning a terror attack targeting the Louvre Museum and the Jewish community. French authorities opened a judicial investigation on Monday for terrorist association. The suspect was initially stopped on April 28 for driving with a forged license, leading to a phone search that revealed jihadist propaganda, ISIS imagery, and discussions about accessing the Louvre and producing ricin. He arrived in Europe via Lampedusa in 2022 and lacked residency status. During questioning, Mellala denied intent, citing curiosity about ISIS ideology.
Key facts
- Dhafer Mellala, a 27-year-old Tunisian national, arrested on May 7, 2026.
- Allegedly planned attack on Louvre Museum and Jewish community in Paris.
- Investigation opened Monday for terrorist association.
- Initial traffic stop on April 28 for forged license led to phone search.
- Phone contained jihadist propaganda, ISIS imagery, and encrypted communications.
- Discussed access routes to Louvre, explosives placement, and ricin production.
- Arrived in Europe via Lampedusa, Italy, in 2022; no residency status.
- Suspect denied intent, claimed curiosity about ISIS ideology.
Entities
Institutions
- Louvre Museum
- French Interior Ministry
- French Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office
- ABC News
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Lampedusa
- Italy