Viral ‘fedora man’ at Louvre heist scene identified as 15-year-old boy

A single photograph turned 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux into an internet sensation, sparking worldwide fascination with the so-called ‘fedora man’ during the recent Louvre crown jewels heist. Captured by an Associated Press photographer, Pedro’s sharply dressed figure, complete with a fedora, was seen striding past a security cordon while police officers monitored the scene. The striking contrast between his vintage-inspired outfit and the modern-day backdrop led many online to speculate he was a detective, an insider, or even an AI-generated figure.

Pedro, a history enthusiast and fan of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, chose to remain silent initially, enjoying the mystery his image created. “I didn’t want to say immediately it was me,” he said, embracing the intrigue surrounding his unexpected fame. Only after several days did he reveal his identity, confirming the truth behind the viral phenomenon.

The teenager lives in Rambouillet, near Paris, with his parents and grandfather. On the day of the heist, Pedro, his mother, and grandfather had visited the Louvre, unaware of the robbery occurring that day. His poised stance and period-inspired attire happened to be perfectly timed as AP photographer Thibault Camus captured him midstride.

Pedro has cultivated a distinctive sense of style over the past year, inspired by early 20th-century statesmen and classic black-and-white imagery. His signature fedora, reserved for weekends, holidays, and museum visits, helped cement the timeless, cinematic aura that captivated the internet.

The viral exposure quickly reached millions of viewers worldwide. Family, friends, and even international media outlets reacted to the image, with Pedro learning of his fame through messages and calls in the days following the heist. Grinning at the attention, Pedro remains open to future opportunities, joking that he is ready for potential film roles.