TRUMAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY THEFT
Truman Presidential Library
Independence, Missouri
March 24, 1978
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Reward:
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the recovery of the swords stolen from the Truman Presidential Library or the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible.
Details:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Kansas City Field Office in Missouri is seeking information leading to the recovery of artifacts stolen in 1978 from the Truman Presidential Library, located at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri.
On March 24, 1978, around 6:30 a.m., a car pulled up near the south gate of the library. Two suspects, believed to be aware of the library’s security procedures, broke into the library and smashed a display case in the lobby. The display case contained three ceremonial swords and two daggers that had been given to President Truman by the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Saud and the Shah of Iran.
The theft took just minutes, and the suspects fled the building through a window. The items stolen were valued between $700,000 and $1,000,000 in 1978.
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You may also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
Field Office: Kansas City
