France's largest museum, the Louvre, was robbed. Early in the morning, unknown assailants arriving on scooters entered the building through an external freight elevator, smashing windows and stealing items from the imperial jewels collection. According to French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, there were no injuries, but the damage to the country's cultural heritage is "incalculable."

According to BFMTV, the attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. and lasted just seven minutes. The thieves acted with a high degree of professionalism, using a circular saw to smash open display cases. According to Le Parisien, a total of nine items were stolen, including the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, which was later recovered along with another piece of jewelry. The famous Regent and Sancy diamonds, however, were unharmed.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the crime was committed by a "very experienced group" that had prepared for the operation in advance. The Paris prosecutor's office has opened a case for organized theft and conspiracy, and the investigation is being led by the anti-gangster brigade in conjunction with the Central Office for Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.

For safety reasons, the museum was closed for the entire day, and the evacuation of visitors took place without incident.