A vandal disarmed Joan of Arc in Paris (3 photos)

While we're bored, the fun continues in France.





Paris began 2026 with an unexpected "chivalrous" feat. On January 2nd, around 10 a.m., a middle-aged man climbed onto the famous equestrian statue of Joan of Arc in Place Saint-Augustin in the 8th arrondissement. He shook the sculpture violently, mounted the horse, and broke off the blade of the sword with his bare hands. With the trophy in hand, the vandal attempted to escape through the surrounding streets but was quickly apprehended by police.



This statue by Paul Dubois from the late 19th century is one of the most famous images of the Maid of Orleans in Paris. The sword in her right hand was part of the composition, but it wasn't securely fastened. Now Joan is left with an empty hilt, the blade has been sent for analysis, and the man has been sent to a mental hospital for examination.

So the Maid of Orleans, who historically fought the English, has now been "disarmed" by a random Parisian in the 21st century. Perhaps he wanted to "free" the sword for new battles?

Authorities promise to restore the statue soon. And Parisians joke: the next vandal will go for a helmet or a shield. The main thing is that Joan isn't left completely without armor—in a city with such a history, that would be too symbolic.