During the early morning of October 19, 2025, four men entered the Louvre museum in pursuit of stealing historic jewels. Gaining access to an elevated balcony, the robbers, suspected of working for a criminal organization, used power tools to break into a first-floor window.
Armed, the robbers were then able to get past security and cut into display cases containing several historic jewels. A sapphire diadem, an emerald necklace, and a diamond brooch were some of the jewels stolen, these items holding great historical significance.
Using DNA evidence left at the scene of the crime, police were able to identify the suspects involved.
As of late November 2025, all primary suspects have been arrested, as well as four other people involved. The charges against them include theft by an organized gang, criminal conspiracy, and complicity in theft.
However, regarding the jewels, they remain missing, with many suspecting them of being broken up for sale.
Among this mayhem, many are feeling the pain behind this historic loss, as the jewels have belonged to significant figures in French history, including Empress Eugénie de Montijo and Empress Marie-Louise of Austria.
“We are all disappointed and angry,” claims Natalie Goulet, a member of the French Senate’s finance committee, according to BBC.
One Riordan student, Donatella Cirelli ’28, visited the Louvre shortly before its heist, stating, “It’s awful that a piece of history was stolen and can no longer be enjoyed by everyone.”
With the public’s disenchantment of the museum’s security, many steps have been taken to better protect the museum from another break-in. 100 cameras will be installed by 2026, and anti-intrusion systems have been increased.
“After the shock, after the emotion, after the assessment, it’s time for action,” shares Louvre director Laurence des Cars.
This heist has brought the public much distress, but it has also created the need for higher protection against these thefts. After a period of closure, the museum partially reopened on Dec. 15, 2025.
