Teen Behind Louvre Heist Photo Embraces Viral Fame

A 15-year-old boy, Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, has unexpectedly found himself at the center of global attention after an Associated Press photograph captured him on the day of a high-profile heist at the Louvre. The image, which features Pedro in a stylish outfit alongside police officers responding to the theft of French crown jewels, has garnered millions of views online, prompting a wave of speculation about his identity. Rather than reveal himself immediately, Pedro chose to revel in the intrigue surrounding the photograph.

Residing in Rambouillet, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Paris, Pedro has a keen interest in mystery and detective fiction, drawing inspiration from characters like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He explained, “I didn’t want to say immediately it was me. With this photo there is a mystery, so you have to make it last.”

Pedro’s first public appearance since the image went viral was in the same attire that caught the world’s attention. He donned a fedora, a borrowed Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat, and a neat tie, embodying a look reminiscent of classic film noir. The photograph depicting a lone figure, sharply dressed, striding past the scene of the heist has led to various theories about his persona—some even suggesting he might be a computer-generated image.

The photograph, taken by Thibault Camus, shows police officers leaning against a car near the Louvre’s entrance shortly after the theft occurred. Pedro, unaware he was being photographed, was merely passing through the scene with his family. “We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed,” he recounted. “We didn’t know there was a heist.” His mother, Félicité Garzon Delvaux, and grandfather accompanied him that day, looking to explore the museum.

Within days of the incident, Pedro was bombarded with messages from friends and relatives, some as far away as Colombia and Austria, alerting him to his newfound fame. “She told me there were 5 million views,” he said, reflecting on his surprise. Shortly thereafter, he found himself featured in the New York Times.

Pedro’s distinctive style is not a fleeting trend; it has become a part of his identity. He began dressing in a classic manner less than a year ago, inspired by historical figures and cinematic detectives. “I like to be chic,” he stated, noting he often wears a three-piece suit to school, where casual attire is more common. The fedora, a staple of his wardrobe, is reserved for special occasions.

As the narrative around the “Fedora Man” evolved on social media, Pedro embraced the mystery. He recognized why people projected a detective persona onto him, saying, “When something unusual happens, you don’t imagine a normal detective. You imagine someone different.” This sentiment resonates with his background; his mother’s upbringing in an 18th-century museum instilled a deep appreciation for art and culture. “Art and museums are living spaces,” she believes.

After several days of silence, Pedro transitioned his Instagram account from private to public, allowing his followers to uncover his identity. “People had to try to find who I am,” he explained, revealing that journalists were taken aback when they learned he was just a teenager.

Currently, Pedro remains open to the possibilities that may arise from his viral fame. “I’m waiting for people to contact me for films,” he said with a grin, clearly enjoying the attention. In a story marked by theft and security failures, Pedro’s experience serves as a lighter counterpoint—a reminder that even amidst chaos, art, style, and a hint of mystery can capture the imagination.

In a world where he has emerged as a symbol of curiosity, he reflects on his status with a blend of humor and humility. “I’m a star,” he stated, testing the words as if they were a new hat. “I’ll keep dressing like this. It’s my style.”