PARIS — French police have discovered traces of DNA in a helmet and gloves left behind by suspects involved in a jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum. This finding could mark a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the $102 million theft that occurred on Sunday. Investigators are currently analyzing the DNA in hopes of identifying the thieves.

The heist took place in the museum's Apollo Gallery, where the thieves used power tools to break display cases and threatened security personnel. They managed to escape on scooters, leaving behind some stolen items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that around 100 investigators are working to apprehend the suspects before the stolen jewelry can be melted down for resale.

In a related development, Laurence des Cars, the president and director of the Louvre, faced lawmakers on Wednesday regarding the museum's security measures. During a two-hour session with the Senate Culture Committee, she revealed that she had submitted her resignation following the robbery, but it was rejected. Des Cars expressed her deep concern over the incident, stating, "This tragedy deeply shocked museum staff, fellow citizens, and admirers of the Louvre around the world. This is an immense wound that has been inflicted on us."

Des Cars noted that while the museum's alarms and internal video cameras functioned properly, there was a significant weakness in perimeter security. She explained, "The weakness of the Louvre is its perimeter security, which has been a problem for a long time ... certainly due to underinvestment." She highlighted that a renovation project initiated 40 years ago has only addressed half of the museum's needs.

The only camera positioned outside the Apollo Gallery was facing west and did not cover the window where the thieves broke in. Des Cars stated, "The security system, as installed in the Apollo Gallery, worked perfectly. The question that arises is how to adapt this system to a new type of attack and modus operandi that we could not have foreseen."

Despite acknowledging the effectiveness of the internal security system, Des Cars admitted, "Today we are witnessing a terrible failure at the Louvre." She emphasized that improving security is a top priority during her tenure, noting that the museum's aging infrastructure has hindered the installation of modern security equipment.

Officials have indicated that evidence collected so far suggests the involvement of organized crime, but they have not ruled out the possibility of an inside job. The investigation continues as authorities work to gather more evidence and track down the suspects responsible for this audacious theft.