Paris Attacks: Suicide Bomber Wearing an Explosive Vest Was Blocked From Entering Soccer Stadium

[Historic NY]

Source: WSJ

PARIS—At least one of the attackers outside France’s national soccer stadium had a ticket to the game and attempted to enter the 80,000-person venue, according to a Stade de France security guard who was on duty and French police.

The guard—who asked to be identified only by his first name, Zouheir—said the attacker was discovered wearing an explosives vest when he was frisked at the entrance to the stadium about 15 minutes into the game. France was playing an exhibition against Germany inside.

While attempting to back away from security, Zouheir said, the attacker detonated the vest. Zouheir, who was stationed by the players’ tunnel, said he was briefed on the sequence by the security frisking team at the gate.

A police officer confirmed the sequence, adding that police suspect the attacker aimed to detonate his vest inside the stadium in order to provoke a deadly stampede.

Read more: http://www.wsj.com/articles/attacker-tried-to-enter-paris-stadium-but-was-turned-away-1447520571?mod=e2tw

[Thinkingabout]

1. WOW, someone was doing their job, it could have been much worse if he had gotten inside.

A hero, saved lives.

[Justice]

2. Discussion on CNN about this - whether security was tighter because President was there or if

was due to regular security.

What did not happen at soccer stadium (mass casualties) is a miracle due to security - on this very sad day, there is some solace in that.

[renate]

3. good job, Zouheir!

I wonder how many people would have been hurt or killed in a stampede. It certainly would have added to the feeling of catastrophe and terror in the city. On a day of terrible news it's good to hear about something that went right.

I just realized that the guard's name sounds kind of Middle Eastern... if it is, maybe that will help at least a little bit to tamp down any anti-Muslim feeling there.

[Chan790]

5. It is a Muslim name.

It's a boy's name meaning "little flower" or "blossom" and has its origins in the Quran. It's more common in N. Africa than Arabia, though it is also very common in the coastal areas of Lebanon. It's more commonly spelled Zuhair which is also the name of a famous poet in Pre-Islamic Arabia.

[MyOwnPeace]

12. Really?

At this point, do you think anything will "tamp down any anti-Muslim feeling" anywhere?
We would hope that something would, but .................

[lostnfound]

14. Good job whatever nameless guard stopped the guy. Zuheir wasn't that guy.

Zuheir was just relaying the story, if you read it closely.

[Beacool]

4. I'm glad that the attacker was not able to enter the stadium.

Thank goodness more people didn't die.

[bananas]

6. "a second person also blew himself up outside the stadium. A third...at a nearby McDonald's"

Around three minutes later, a second person also blew himself up outside the stadium. A third suicide attacker detonated explosives at a nearby McDonald’s, police said. One civilian died in the attacks, police said.

[oberliner]

7. Have a feeling that was meant to be the centerpiece of the attack

80,000+ at an international soccer match (including the French president).

Thankfully, the terrorist wasn't able to get inside.

[underpants]

11. Most likely yes

[suffragette]

13. Yes, and there's a similarity with the concert hall with some attackers inside

And some blocking exits, while killing people trying to flee.

[christx30]

8. He was turned away?

"I'm sorry sir, the 'no suicide vest' rule is very clear. I can't admit you into the stadium. Off with you now. Go blow yourself up elsewhere."
Why weren't the police called? Why didn't his cheek kiss pavement once they found the vest, like they would in any other part of the world?

[DesertRat]

9. Read it again, that's not what it says. nt

[SCantiGOP]

10. My impression is

That he stepped back and detonated the vest before anyone could take him down.

[davidpdx]

15. While it is sad that 140 people died, this goes to show it could have been much worse

I have to wonder what other parts of the attack may not have been carried out as planned.