In the heart of Paris, the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc was unexpectedly disarmed at Place Saint-Augustin in the middle of the day. Around 10 a.m. on Friday, January 2, the unidentified man climbed onto the statue and grabbed the blade the sword. Security footage shows the suspect forcefully shaking the bronze horse, then breaking the sword with a single strike, causing it to shatter into pieces. The man reportedly fled the scene clutching the damaged weapon, but was stopped by a passing patrol. The sword has been recovered. The individual will now undergo a psychological evaluation to determine the potential presence of psychiatric issues. Meanwhile, city hall has announced it will file a formal complaint against the man. An expert assessment of the bronze sword will take place in the coming days to determine whether it can be restored. If needed, it will be carefully recreated to match the original. It’s the only statue in Paris depicting Joan of Arc wielding a sword in her right hand.
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| Joan of Arc Statue Before Theft |
