Police evacuate Notre Dame Cathedral after man commits suicide

Opponent of same-sex 'marriage' takes his life

Tourists wait in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The cathedral was
evacuated after a man committed suicide inside May 21. (Photo: CNS/Vincent Kessler, Reuters)

A man in his 70s took his life near the main altar of Notre Dame Cathedral May 21, causing police to evacuate the building. The Catholic News Service reports:

Cathedral officials issued a statement late the afternoon of May 21 confirming that a man committed suicide by firearm as hundreds of people were inside the church.

France's BFMTV reported the man was writer and essayist Dominique Venner, who was identified as a conservative who was a staunch opponent of "same-sex marriage."

The news outlet said a suicide note was found next to his body.

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