Louvre Hit by 7-Minute Stunning Heist, Tourists Stunned: 'This Happens in Paris Too?'

On the morning of the 19th, as France's Louvre opened its doors, four thieves entered the Apollo Gallery using an external freight elevator attached to the building, stealing eight pieces of displayed jewelry in just seven minutes. The stolen items included jewels from the era of Emperor Napoleon and other monarchs. Police are currently searching for the four suspects.

According to China News Service, the French Ministry of Culture issued a press release that evening, stating that the stolen jewelry included pieces belonging to Empress Marie Louise, Queen Maria Amalia, and Empress Eugénie, among others. The types of jewelry taken included necklaces, earrings, and brooches. The suspects also tried to steal Empress Eugénie's crown, but it was discarded during their escape; the crown is now undergoing damage assessment.

The Paris prosecutor revealed that the search for the four suspects is ongoing. Their faces were covered during the crime and they escaped the scene swiftly on motorcycles.

Several French TV channels broadcast video footage showing the suspects in the Louvre as the crime unfolded, lasting several seconds. The video shows the suspects wearing yellow vests as they operate inside the Apollo Gallery. It also shows that visitors had already entered the gallery at the time of the incident.

According to Central News Agency, many foreign tourists had booked tickets in advance, but could only take commemorative photos in front of the glass pyramid instead. Some were saddened, others shocked—no one expected such an incident could happen at this world-famous museum.

After the incident, the Louvre immediately announced closure 'due to special reasons.' Police sealed off the nearby area, but many tourists still took photos in front of the cordon, while the shopping mall connected to the Louvre remained open.

A tourist from Brazil, Almeida, was visiting Paris for the first time and had scheduled a trip to the Louvre well in advance. Now he could only take souvenir photos with the glass pyramid in the background from afar.

In an interview with CNA reporters, he said that missing the opportunity to visit the Louvre made him 'very sad.' Even though his hometown Rio de Janeiro is also not known for good public security, 'I never expected something like this to happen in Paris.' Such heists are extremely rare even in Brazil.

Almeida is staying in France for only four days, making it difficult to reschedule another Louvre visit. He also doesn't know when the museum will reopen, so he could only say helplessly: 'Maybe next time (when I return).' 

Jo, a tourist from England, had also booked tickets and was looking forward to seeing the treasures. Upon arrival, she saw police going in and out and later learned from the news that the Louvre had been closed due to the robbery, which left her 'quite shocked.'

This was Jo’s first time in Paris. She said she didn’t have any specific exhibits in mind, just wanted to explore and admire the Louvre’s architecture, scenery, and collections.