A 15-year-old boy, Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, captured in a striking photograph outside the Louvre during a recent robbery, has inadvertently become a social media sensation. The image, taken on the day of the heist, shows Pedro wearing a fedora and a vintage-inspired outfit, leading to speculation about his identity and role in the incident.
On the day of the heist, thieves stole French crown jewels valued at approximately £76 million in a brazen daylight operation. Pedro, accompanied by his mother and grandfather, was visiting the museum completely unaware of the unfolding crime. The photograph, taken by Thibault Camus of the Associated Press, depicts Pedro standing near police officers who were responding to the robbery.
A Moment of Unintentional Fame
Initially, Pedro chose not to reveal his identity, preferring to embrace the mystery surrounding the photograph. “With this photo, there is a mystery, so you have to make it last,” he explained. He later described his shock upon discovering that he had become a viral figure, with one friend informing him that the image had garnered over five million views online.
The young boy’s choice of attire, which includes a borrowed Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat and a well-preserved Russian watch, further fueled the intrigue. “In the photo, I’m dressed more in the 1940s, and we are in 2025, there is a contrast,” he noted, highlighting the stylish yet anachronistic nature of his outfit.
Pedro’s style is not just a fleeting trend; he has been dressing in this manner for less than a year, inspired by his fascination with 20th-century history and fictional detectives. He shared, “I like to be chic. I go to school like this,” although he reserves the fedora for weekends, holidays, and museum visits.
Unveiling the Truth Behind the Mystery
The photograph that thrust Pedro into the spotlight was not intended to focus on him but rather to document the police response outside the Louvre. The young boy and his family were simply attempting to visit the museum when they encountered the closed gates. Unbeknownst to them, a significant crime was taking place just moments before their arrival.
Pedro’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly fame can arise from unexpected situations. His family, initially surprised by the attention, learned of his newfound notoriety through various media outlets, including the New York Times, which further spread his image.
Reflecting on the experience, Pedro remarked, “People said, ‘You’ve become a star,’ and I was astonished that with just one photo you can become viral in a few days.” As he continues to navigate this unexpected chapter in his life, he remains a symbol of curiosity and intrigue amidst the chaos of a high-profile heist.
As the investigation into the Louvre robbery continues, Pedro’s story highlights the intersection of everyday life and extraordinary events, showcasing how a moment can transform an ordinary outing into a tale worthy of fiction.
