A massive manhunt is underway in France after a group of masked thieves pulled off a bold daylight raid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing jewels described as priceless.
Authorities say the heist took place on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened to visitors. The suspects reportedly used a mechanical ladder to climb through a first-floor window before smashing display cases in the Gallery of Apollo, home to France’s royal jewels.
In a matter of minutes, nine valuable items were taken, including a 19th-century crown once belonging to Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown, adorned with more than a thousand diamonds and dozens of emeralds, was later found nearby, damaged and apparently dropped during the gang’s escape.
The robbers fled the scene on mopeds, leaving behind their ladder. Police say no one was injured during the raid, which caused chaos as the museum was swiftly evacuated. Confused tourists were ushered out of the galleries, some unaware of what had happened.
Visitors who had come to see the Mona Lisa described the sudden evacuation as “confusing” but “exciting.” One American tourist remarked that the event turned out to be “the most thrilling part” of their trip.
Officials have called the stolen items “of immeasurable heritage value,” emphasizing that their cultural and historical significance far outweighs any market price.
As investigations continue, the Louvre remains closed while police comb through evidence, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to track down the thieves responsible for one of the most audacious museum robberies in years.