A man broke the sword off a statue of Joan of Arc in Paris's 8th arrondissement on Monday morning, January 5, 2026. Security camera footage captured him violently shaking the horse before climbing the statue and snapping the sword with his bare hands. The sword shattered into pieces, which were recovered after police apprehended the suspect nearby. Deputy Mayor Karen Taïeb stated the sword will be assessed for repair or reproduction, assuring the statue will be restored.
The incident matters because the statue, created in 1895 by sculptor Paul Dubois and on loan from the Musée d'Orsay, is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Paris. It is the only statue in the city depicting Joan of Arc holding a sword in her right hand, making its vandalism a rare and notable attack on heritage. The swift police response and commitment to restoration underscore the city's dedication to preserving its public art.