An Israeli guard killed himself near the airport farewell ceremony for French President Nicolas Sarkozy, causing a security scare.
A paramilitary policeman securing the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport shot himself Tuesday as Sarkozy and his wife were being seen off by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres.
Hearing the shot, bodyguards rushed the Sarkozys into their plane and tried to lead Olmert to his armored car.
Within seconds, as the nature of the incident became clear, Olmert and Peres boarded the plane to wish their guests farewell.
Police said the guard committed suicide. Earlier reports were that he may have fainted in the summer heat and accidentally discharged his gun.
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