Controversy erupted following comments made by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini regarding the fatal police shooting of a 26-year-old man in Verona. After the incident, which occurred when the young man attacked a railway police officer with a knife, Salvini remarked, “With all due respect, he will not be missed.” His statement, made shortly after news of the shooting broke, drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders. Senator Franco Mirabelli from the Democratic Party criticized the comments, stating, “It is a basic principle of humanity not to rejoice at the death of a person, regardless of their actions. To see Salvini celebrate the loss of a man is a disgrace for our country.”
The incident unfolded after the young man, originally from Mali, engaged in a series of violent acts throughout the night. Security footage captured him attacking local police officers with a knife, prompting them to retreat and call for backup. Upon returning to the Porta Nuova station, he launched a renewed assault against a railway police officer, who responded by firing three shots, one of which fatally struck the assailant. Despite efforts to revive him, the 26-year-old died shortly after. The Verona Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by prosecutor Maria Diletta Schiaffino, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, analyzing surveillance footage from the area.
In defense of the officer’s actions, the Police Trade Union Movement (Mosap) issued a statement emphasizing the necessity of self-defense in such dangerous situations. “The colleague was simply defending himself against a potential stabbing; the 26-year-old intended to harm anyone in his path,” said Secretary General Fabio Conestà. Meanwhile, League deputy Andrea Crippa asserted that the officer should not face investigation, labeling the incident as a case of legitimate defense.
The Verona administration, represented by Security Councilor Stefania Zivelonghi, is coordinating with local police to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. With Mayor Damiano Tommasi currently attending Vinitaly in Chicago, the administration expressed its condolences over the loss of life while reaffirming its commitment to public safety. “We acknowledge the dedicated efforts of law enforcement who are always on the front lines for the safety of citizens,” Zivelonghi stated.
