In the three weeks since the Louvre museum heist, a dapper teenager known as the 'fedora man' has puzzled social media users and investigators alike. This youth, captured in a viral photo outside the renowned museum, now has his identity unveiled: he is Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, a 15-year-old fan of fictional detectives.
Pedro, who resides in Rambouillet, south-west of Paris, had planned a family visit to the Louvre but was met with disappointment when he found the museum closed due to the heist. Unbeknownst to him, while he inquired about the situation, he was photographed, capturing the interest of onlookers.
As the investigation into the attempted theft of French crown jewels progressed, details about the thieves were quickly uncovered through DNA evidence, but the identity of the young man in the fedora remained a mystery until now.
The image of Pedro sparked theories about his role in the heist, with many speculating whether he was a real detective or a cleverly orchestrated publicity stunt. However, the truth is far more mundane yet charming. Pedro was simply enjoying a day out, dressed in vintage attire inspired by characters like Sherlock Holmes.
He only found out about his newfound fame days later when a friend notified him that his photo had reached five million views on TikTok. Surprised by the reaction, he learned the image even made it into The New York Times, a publication he admires.
“It’s not every day you find yourself in the New York Times,” he exclaimed, reflecting on his unexpected journey to viral stardom. Pedro enjoys dressing stylishly for school, stating, “I like to be chic.” His story serves as a reminder of how quickly social media can propel someone into the limelight with just a single image.
As the attention around the Louvre heist continues to unfold, the teenage detective fan remains humble, enjoying the intrigue while reflecting on the power of a single photograph in shaping narratives and sparking curiosity.
