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Modena car attack leaves eight injured
Eight pedestrians were struck by a speeding car in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday afternoon, with four sustaining serious injuries, authorities confirmed. Among the victims, a woman underwent double leg amputation following the incident.
Driver wielding knife subdued by passer-by
The vehicle, traveling at high speed, mounted the pavement near Modena's cathedral around 16:30 (14:30 GMT) before crashing into a shop window. The 31-year-old driver emerged armed with a knife and slashed a bystander who attempted to intervene, officials said.
The suspect was eventually overpowered by Luca Signorelli and other witnesses. Signorelli, who suffered head and chest wounds during the confrontation, was later praised by Italy's leadership for his actions.
Political leaders respond
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who canceled a scheduled trip to Cyprus, visited the injured in hospital alongside President Sergio Mattarella on Sunday. Meloni publicly commended Signorelli, stating on social media: "What transforms an ordinary person into a hero is the moment the heart chooses to act courageously, even at personal risk."
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, identified the suspect on X as Salim El Koudri, labeling him a "second-generation criminal."
Suspect's background under scrutiny
Officials revealed the suspect, an Italian national of Moroccan descent, was referred to psychiatric care in 2022 for "schizoid disorders" but subsequently disappeared from monitoring. Modena's prefect, Fabrizia Triolo, confirmed the suspect had no prior criminal record and was unemployed despite holding an economics degree.
Born in Bergamo province, the man resides in Modena province, according to Mayor Massimo Mezzetti, who described the attack as deliberate. An eyewitness told local media the car accelerated to at least 100 km/h (62 mph) before swerving onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians airborne.
Victims and investigation
The injured include five women and three men. Authorities have not disclosed motives but are examining the suspect's mental health history and possible radicalization. No terrorist links have been established at this stage.
