Louvre Museum in Paris was the scene of a daring jewelry heist on Sunday morning. Four suspects, riding two motorbikes, escaped with a collection of valuable jewelry, including pieces once worn by French queens. The stolen items are described as "priceless" and include sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds.

The theft occurred during daylight hours, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the act, stating, "The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history." He, along with other officials, pledged to recover the stolen items and apprehend the suspects.

Following the robbery, the Louvre closed its doors to the public. Museum officials announced on social media that visitors with pre-booked tickets would receive refunds. Police quickly established a manhunt and investigation in the area.

Authorities reported that the suspects arrived in pairs, with two in a truck and two on motorbikes. The truck was equipped with a moving ladder, similar to those used by furniture movers. The suspects parked the truck along a road adjacent to the museum, dressed in yellow vests to resemble construction workers. They placed orange cones around the truck to secure the area before using the ladder to access a balcony outside the museum's Apollo Gallery.

Once on the balcony, the suspects used an angle grinder to open a window, triggering the alarm system. They entered the museum and smashed two display cases containing the "Napoleon jewels" and "French crown jewels," stealing nine pieces of jewelry valued at an estimated "inestimable" worth, according to the interior minister.

Among the stolen items were a diadem from Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense, an emerald necklace and earrings from Marie-Louise, Napoleon's second wife, and a large bow brooch from Empress Eugenie's bodice. The Paris Prosecutor's Office reported that the suspects attempted to set fire to the mobile freight elevator used in the heist before fleeing.

An investigation into the organized theft is underway, with the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office overseeing the case. A specialized group of detectives, the Brigade for the Suppression of Banditry, has been assigned to lead the investigation. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that around 60 investigators are working on the case, showing "total determination" to identify the culprits.

As of Monday morning, police had not disclosed any leads regarding the suspects' identities. Officials believe the suspects were professionals, and Beccuau indicated that while foreign involvement is not ruled out, the investigation is currently focused on domestic aspects. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized that efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible for this "unacceptable act" as quickly as possible.