American Arrested for Stealing Thumb from Terracotta Warrior at Philadelphia Museum

Michael Rohana was arrested in the United States for allegedly stealing the thumb from a 2,000-year-old terracotta warrior displayed at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The incident occurred on 21 December during a pre-Christmas office party, when Rohana entered the locked exhibition using his phone as a light, hugged the statue, took a selfie, and snapped off the thumb, as captured by security footage. He admitted to keeping the thumb in his desk drawer and was arrested five days later. The terracotta warrior was one of ten on loan from China, and Wu Haiyun, head of the lending group, demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator. Chinese officials, speaking to South China Morning Post, condemned the theft as an act against national treasures with immeasurable historical and artistic value, expressing strong resentment. The Franklin Institute hosted the exhibition, and the Guardian reported the arrest. The theft highlights concerns over the security of cultural artifacts during international loans.