Panic broke out at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris after reports of a jewellery theft surfaced on Sunday. The incident led to an immediate evacuation of visitors and temporary closure of the museum for security reasons.
France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that a theft took place at the Louvre, which also houses Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, the Mona Lisa.
According to sources quoted by AFP, the robbers fled the museum with valuable jewellery. Police and security teams quickly responded to the situation, ensuring the safety of all visitors.
Videos shared online showed long queues as visitors exited the museum calmly under the supervision of staff and security officers. Another clip showed police presence outside the museum as part of precautionary measures.
The Louvre, located in the heart of Paris, attracts thousands of tourists daily from across the world. Following the theft, authorities have launched an investigation to identify the suspects and recover the stolen items.
Rachida Dati stated that “security is being strengthened at all major cultural sites” in response to the incident.
The museum remained closed for the day, with officials assuring that public safety and preservation of artworks remain top priorities.
