A mysterious incident has unfolded in the small Slovenian town of Sevnica, the birthplace of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

According to an AP News report, local police are investigating the theft of a life-size bronze statue of Melania Trump that was discovered sawed off at the ankles and carried away from its location near her hometown.

The bronze sculpture unveiled in 2020 during President Donald Trump's first term, stood as a replacement for an earlier wooden version that met a fiery fate. Located in the village of Rozno near Sevnica, the statue's disappearance was reported to authorities on Tuesday, prompting an immediate investigation into the incident.

Local Response to Missing Melania Monument

Police spokeswoman Alenka Drenik Rangus has confirmed the ongoing investigation as authorities work diligently to identify those responsible for the theft. Slovenian media outlets have provided detailed accounts of how the perpetrators methodically removed the statue, leaving behind only the bronze ankles still attached to its base.

Local sentiment regarding the statue's disappearance appears mixed, with some residents expressing indifference to its fate. Franja Kranjc, an employee at a local bakery known for selling Melania-themed cakes, shared candid thoughts about the missing monument's significance to the community.

Kranjc's statement reflects a broader local perspective on the statue's presence in their town:

I think no one was really proud at this statue, not even the first lady of the USA. So I think its OK that it's removed.

History of Vandalism and Artistic Controversy

The bronze statue's disappearance marks the second time a Melania Trump monument has been targeted in the area. In July 2020, the original wooden sculpture faced destruction when vandals set it ablaze, necessitating its replacement with the now-missing bronze version.

The original wooden statue, carved from a linden tree trunk, depicted the First Lady wearing an outfit reminiscent of her 2017 inauguration ensemble - a pale blue dress that became iconic during President Trump's swearing-in ceremony. Critics and locals often noted that neither version bore a strong resemblance to Melania Trump herself.

The artistic interpretation sparked discussions about public art and representation, with many questioning the aesthetic choices made in both sculptures. The wooden version's rustic appearance and the bronze replacement's abstract interpretation generated considerable debate among residents and visitors alike.

Impact on Sevnica Tourism and Local Pride

Sevnica, a small central Slovenian town where Melanija Knavs spent her early years before embarking on an international modeling career, has maintained a complex relationship with its famous former resident's legacy. The town has previously capitalized on its connection to the First Lady through various tourist attractions and specialty products.

Local businesses, including the bakery where Kranjc works, have developed merchandise and culinary offerings celebrating their connection to Melania Trump. These enterprises represent ongoing efforts to balance local heritage with international attention brought by their hometown celebrity. The statue's presence served as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors curious about Melania Trump's origins.

Latest Development in Slovenian Police Investigation

The theft of Melania Trump's bronze statue remains under active investigation by Slovenian law enforcement. Police authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses who might provide insights into the perpetrators' identities or motives.

Local law enforcement faces challenges in tracking down those responsible, as the statue's removal appears to have been carefully planned and executed. The remaining bronze ankles provide investigators with their primary physical evidence while they pursue additional leads through witness statements and possible surveillance footage.

Investigators must determine whether the theft was politically motivated, an act of vandalism, or potentially driven by the bronze material's value.

Case Details and Future Implications

A life-size bronze statue honoring First Lady Melania Trump vanished from its location near Sevnica, Slovenia, after being sawed off at the ankles by unknown perpetrators. The sculpture, installed in 2020 as a replacement for a previously destroyed wooden version, represented the town's most prominent tribute to their internationally known former resident. Local police continue their investigation into the theft while community members express mixed reactions to the monument's disappearance. The incident marks the second time a statue of Melania Trump has been targeted in her hometown, raising questions about the future of public art installations honoring political figures in the region.