" I had that bomb planted because Ranucci was in danger , he was under threat. A bomb for his own good, to increase his level of protection." Valter Lavitola spoke for over five hours before the Rome investigating judge and admitted that he was the one who ordered the attack on the Report host in October last year.
During a preliminary hearing, the entrepreneur offered a version of events with many aspects still unclear, which the prosecutor's office will investigate further . This began with the response his defense attorney, Sergio Cola, gave to reporters when asked if Ranucci, who investigators believe remains the victim, was aware of Lavitola's plan: "I won't say anything else about this," the lawyer simply said. "I'm just telling you what I can."
In an office in Rebibbia prison, where he has been held since last Monday, Lavitola did not exercise his right to remain silent, but instead faced the judge's questions, in the presence of prosecutors from the Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) in Piazzale Clodio, essentially confirming the prosecution's case. However, he specified that "there is no political motive" behind the bombing of October 16, 2025.
Lavitola, in essence, had that device, made of quarry gelatin, planted " not for a political motive, even if in fact the attack, but not by his will, was able to increase the popularity " of the Report host.
Speaking to the investigating judge, the suspect also recalled that at the time of the events, "Ranucci had a security detail of only two men." And " in fact, afterward, the security detail more than doubled: from two to eight officers with a horseshoe-shaped protection ."
A version that "leaves one shocked" and "confirms the delirious theater of madness" is the blunt comment of the journalist's lawyer , Roberto De Vita, who recalls: Ranucci has already had an uninterrupted security detail since 2021 and his popularity has long been "extremely high." Therefore, he concludes, "if that is the motive, it falls somewhere between useless and reassuring. Obviously," he concludes, "the confession is one thing, the assessment of Lavitola's credibility is another."
The report will now be analyzed by prosecutors coordinated by Francesco Lo Voi. Ranucci remains the injured party, but in light of the entrepreneur's statements, it's possible he may be summoned to appear before the prosecutor's office again in the coming weeks. This hearing will likely be to "clarify" not only Lavitola's words but also what has been ascertained in recent weeks, including through the analysis of the former Avanti! editor's cell phone. For investigators, the motive for the attack remains tied to the plan Lavitola had long harbored for Ranucci. "In two years, you'll become Prime Minister," he would tell him in chat. This ambition gained momentum in the months following the attack, with Lavitola ready to commission a survey. Ranucci was also involved in the investigation—along with two journalists—and he had also suggested to his "friend" some improvements that needed to be made.
Meanwhile, magistrates are initiating proceedings to request the extradition of Gomes Tavares, the Cameroonian citizen currently at large. According to investigators, Lavitola's handyman served as an intermediary with the gang and, with Lavitola, conducted at least two inspections outside Ranucci's house where the attack took place.
(Unioneonline)
