EditModena car attack sparks sentiments of popular unity – and political tension in Italy
While authorities firmly ruled out terrorism and linked the attack to the psychiatric issues of the Moroccan-origin driver, the incident quickly became politicised
Two days after a car deliberately ploughed into pedestrians in the historic centre of Modena on Saturday, injuring eight people (four seriously), Italian leaders and the local community have focused on solidarity, civic courage, and the broader implications of the incident.
President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday visited the injured in hospitals in Modena (Baggiovara) and Bologna (Maggiore). They met victims, their families, and medical staff, expressing national support and gratitude. Meloni, who cancelled an official trip to Cyprus to travel to Modena, described the event as “extremely serious” and thanked citizens who “courageously intervened” to stop the perpetrator, as well as emergency services.
Praise for bystanders and calls for unity
A striking element of the response has been widespread admiration for ordinary citizens who tackled the driver, Salim El Koudri, after he exited the vehicle with a knife. Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti highlighted that at least two of the interveners were of Egyptian origin, using the moment to counter attempts to sow division. He called for a solidarity gathering in Piazza Grande on Sunday evening “against those who want to divide and sow hatred.”
Mezzetti emphasised: “They are also the symbol of a community that knows, even in such a dramatic moment, how to react, unite and intervene. The entire Modena community will have to follow the example of these citizens.”
Political reactions and immigration debate
While authorities, including Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, have firmly ruled out terrorism and linked the attack to the 31-year-old suspect’s psychiatric issues (he had been treated for schizoid disorders), the incident quickly became politicised.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party and Deputy Prime Minister, described El Koudri – an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin – as a “second-generation criminal” and called for stricter measures, including the revocation of residence permits for immigrants who commit crimes. He argued that the integration of second-generation immigrants has “failed.”
Other right-wing voices echoed similar concerns about security and integration. In contrast, centre-left and opposition figures, along with the mayor, stressed national unity and warned against exploiting the tragedy for anti-immigrant rhetoric. Opposition leader Elly Schlein and others focused on support for the victims and praise for the bystanders.
A wake-up call?
The Modena attack, though not terror-related, has prompted fresh debate in Italy – a country that had largely been spared vehicle-ramming incidents compared to other parts of Europe. It has highlighted ongoing challenges around mental health support, public safety in city centres, and the integration of second-generation citizens.
As investigations continue and the victims recover, Modena and Italy are balancing grief, gratitude for civic heroism, and a renewed discussion on social cohesion. The joint visit by Mattarella and Meloni signalled a message of institutional unity at a sensitive moment.
The original article in Italian by EUalive’s partner FocusEurope.it can be found here.
Caption: Law enforcement work at the scene after a vehicle struck several pedestrians in downtown Modena, northern Italy, 16 May 2026. According to Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti, eight people were injured in the incident, with four individuals reported to be in serious condition. The suspect, a 31-year-old man, was arrested by police. EPA/GIORGIA BASSOLI
Updated: May 18, 2026 - 13:35
