Armed Jewel Heist Prompts Louvre Evacuation, Closure in Paris

A dramatic armed robbery took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris during its opening hours, where thieves used chainsaws and a cherry picker to quickly steal priceless jewelry, reportedly from Napoleon's collection, before fleeing the scene within seven minutes. The incident caused panic among visitors and forced the museum to close for the entire day for "exceptional reasons," with French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirming no injuries were reported. Police and forensic teams secured the area and launched an investigation while the suspects remained at large. Video footage showed visitors evacuating and security personnel deployed outside the museum. Authorities are still assessing the value of the stolen items, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has shocked both museum staff and the international community, given the Louvre's status as the world's most visited museum and home to iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa.