A video recorded by a tourist captured the moment when one of the Louvre Museum robbers broke a window and stole a piece of jewelry in broad daylight. The assault, carried out by four men equipped with yellow reflective vests, lasted just seven minutes and left France in shock.
The group used a forklift to reach a window on the first floor and enter the Apollon Gallery, where jewels of “incalculable” historical value were on display. Among the stolen items were two necklaces and the crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III — the latter ended up being left behind during the escape and is now being evaluated.
After breaking the windows, two thieves entered the building while the others waited outside, next to the River Seine, on two scooters. As soon as they completed the robbery, everyone quickly fled.
The images released by BFMTV show one of the robbers breaking the glass of the showcase, in front of several visitors who had barely entered the museum. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin admitted that the authorities “failed” and that the episode conveys a “very negative” image of France.
In response, the French government announced increased security at all museums and cultural institutions in the country.
Images of the Louvre burglary (BFMTV document)
— BFMTV (@BFMTV)
