Two individuals were apprehended on Sunday morning at the entrance of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris on suspicion of attempting to damage classified property.
The arrests occurred at approximately 11:30 am local time, and the individuals were subsequently placed in police custody as part of an ongoing preliminary investigation.
According to Le Figaro, at the time of their apprehension, the pair were found to be carrying a white liquid—identified as glue—and a viscous whitish substance. They were also observed wearing t-shirts adorned with the slogan “Food Response.” Additionally, the individuals were reportedly “already known for previous acts of obstructing traffic.” However, the Paris prosecutor’s office has stated that the alleged affiliation with the Food Response movement remains unconfirmed.
The Food Response, previously known as Last Renovation, is an environmental movement primarily active in Europe. Members associated with the movement have garnered attention for various actions, including splashing the Mona Lisa with soup in January and Monet’s Spring in February.
Environmental activists across Europe have increasingly targeted artworks as a means to raise awareness about climate change. Recent protests at the London Science Museum over a new sponsorship by Adani and at the British Museum over a deal with BP underscore this trend.
