On Thursday, Milan hosted a high-profile security meeting led by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, alongside Prefect Claudio Sgaraglia, Police Chief Bruno Megale, and Mayor Giuseppe Sala. The agenda focused on the unrest in Corvetto following the death of Ramy Elgaml, a 19-year-old Egyptian who died in a crash while fleeing a police checkpoint. Piantedosi announced the deployment of over 600 additional officers by January, emphasizing their role in bolstering territorial control. While asserting that Milan is “not a city out of control,” the minister warned against complacency, pointing to integration challenges, as the city’s immigrant population accounts for 65% of recorded crimes—double the national average.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala welcomed the reinforcement but expressed reservations about an over-reliance on repression. “I won’t claim Milan is a perfectly safe city,” he said, “but crucifying it achieves nothing. Milan is striving toward a model typical of international cities.” The mayor also pledged to meet with Elgaml’s family, praising their dignified response amidst tensions. Investigations into the incident continue, with police ruling out a collision and suggesting the young man lost control of his scooter at high speed. Meanwhile, the Corvetto neighborhood remains unsettled, with planned vigils and public calls for clarity surrounding the tragedy.
While officials promise a more robust law enforcement presence, the incident has reignited broader debates about integration, policing, and urban security. As Milan navigates these challenges, balancing safety measures with social cohesion remains a pressing priority.
