Tourists panicked and fled as a group of highly organized criminals orchestrated a robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, resulting in the closure of the museum. The audacious thieves, in a swift seven-minute heist, absconded with valuable jewelry once owned by Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. French authorities confirmed the incident occurred during the museum’s opening hours, with two individuals carrying out the theft while a third kept watch.
Among the stolen items were a tiara, brooch, necklace, and other valuables. The hooded men gained entry to the renowned museum through construction access, using a ladder to reach the Apollo Gallery. They then cut through windows to enter the building, with one member stationed outside as a lookout. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that the entire robbery transpired in just seven minutes, with the criminals utilizing a handheld disc cutter to breach the gallery’s window.
Witnesses reported the arrival of masked individuals on scooters armed with chainsaws, who successfully escaped with nine pieces from the Napoleon collection. Described as highly organized, the suspects are believed to have meticulously planned the operation. One of the pilfered jewels, believed to be the priceless crown of Empress Eugenie, was found damaged outside the museum.
In response to the incident, the Louvre Museum, renowned as the most visited in the world, remained closed for the day due to “exceptional reasons.” French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati reassured that no injuries occurred during the robbery and that a police investigation was in progress. Authorities, including Nuñez, emphasized the need to secure French museums and expressed optimism in swiftly capturing the culprits.
Witnesses recounted scenes of panic and chaos within the Louvre following the robbery, with individuals attempting to flee but encountering locked doors. The police and gendarmerie swiftly responded to the situation, containing the unfolding events. Napoleon and Josephine’s opulent jewelry collection, acquired during their reign as Emperor and Empress of France, holds historical significance and includes pieces acquired from various sources across the Empire.