Italian Leaders Visit Victims of Modena Car-Ramming and Stabbing Attacks

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella visited victims of a car-ramming and stabbing attack in the northern city of Modena on Saturday. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30pm local time, when a 31-year-old man, identified as Salim El Khoudri, drove through the city centre at high speed, hitting over a dozen people. The attacker also stabbed a pedestrian before being stopped by a group of passers-by.

Eight people were taken to hospital in serious condition, with two women aged 55 and 69 having their legs amputated. One of the women remains in a life-threatening condition, according to a statement released by the city prosecutor’s office. The prosecutors described the attack as “indiscriminate, random and deliberate”.

Italian leaders visited hospitals where injured victims are being treated on Sunday. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that the incident may be related to a situation of psychiatric distress.

El Khoudri was born in Bergamo’s northern province to a family originally from Morocco, according to reports. He had been treated for schizoid disorders at a mental health centre between 2022 and 2024. The suspect has also shown symptoms of schizoid disorders. Italian Deputy Minister Matteo Salvini commented on El Khoudri’s origins, noting that he was an Italian national “of second generation”. Two Egyptian nationals were among the citizens who blocked the attacker from fleeing the scene.

The incident has sparked a response from local authorities and community leaders. Modena’s Mayor Massimo Mezzetti praised the actions of the two Egyptian nationals who intervened to stop the attack, saying they embodied the spirit of their community in reacting with unity and intervention during a difficult moment.

Source: Al Jazeera