In a shocking turn of events, the president and director of the Louvre Museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, has been summoned to appear before French lawmakers. This summons comes in light of an ongoing investigation into a daring heist that took place over the weekend, where nine priceless pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum's prestigious Apollo Gallery.
Laurence des Cars is scheduled to testify before France’s Senate Culture Committee on Wednesday. Lawmakers are eager to address critical questions regarding the museum's security measures and to understand what failures may have contributed to the theft that occurred on Sunday. This brazen act has sparked a widespread national manhunt for the thieves, with French President Emmanuel Macron pledging that authorities will bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing the cultural significance of the stolen items as part of France's rich heritage.
The heist was executed with alarming precision. According to French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the thieves targeted two display cases, breaking them open and making off with a substantial amount of valuable loot. “They knew exactly where they were going,” Dati remarked, suggesting that the operation was highly organized and professional. Among the stolen items was a magnificent pearl and diamond tiara from the collections of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense.
Despite the loss, Minister Dati expressed confidence in the investigative team, describing them as the “best team ever for this investigation.” She noted that leads have been identified, stressing the importance of swift action in cases of this nature. While evidence collected so far indicates possible involvement of organized crime, investigators are also considering the possibility of an inside job.
In light of the theft, Rachida Dati is advocating for enhanced security protocols at the Louvre Museum. She has proposed the establishment of a police station within the museum to supplement the existing museum security personnel. When asked about the safety of other priceless artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Dati assured that all necessary precautions are being reviewed. “It’s all being looked at,” she stated, highlighting the complexities of securing historical monuments in France.
A forthcoming report by the Cour des Comptes, France’s supreme auditing institution, is expected to shed light on significant delays in the deployment of security equipment designed to protect the Louvre's priceless works. Preliminary findings suggest that certain areas of the museum lack adequate video surveillance coverage. For instance, the Sully Wing is only 40% monitored, while the Richelieu Wing is just 25% covered by cameras.
As the investigation continues, the Louvre Museum has remained closed to the public, and it is refunding tickets to visitors who had planned to attend. The museum's commitment to enhancing security and restoring public trust will be critical in the aftermath of this high-profile theft. With the world watching, the Louvre aims to recover from this incident and safeguard its invaluable collection for future generations.
ABC News' Aicha El Hammar Castano, Kevin Shalvey, and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report, providing ongoing updates on this significant cultural event.
