The man who sowed terror in Modena yesterday by speeding his car into pedestrians during a quiet afternoon shopping in the city center is charged with manslaughter and assault, but not with terrorism-related crimes.
Eight people were injured, four of whom are in serious condition. Two had their legs amputated. The attacker is Salim El Koudri, 31, of foreign origin but born in Bergamo. An economics graduate but unemployed, he was being treated for psychiatric problems.
Today in Modena, Sergio Mattarella will be at the Baggiovara Hospital in Modena and then at the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna, as well as Giorgia Meloni, who cancelled her trip to Cyprus to join the President of the Republic.
THE SHOCKING VIDEO OF THE INVESTMENT:
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Meloni thanks Signorelli: "A hero is someone who chooses good, even when it's risky."
"What makes a normal person heroic is the moment their heart chooses to do good, even when it involves risk. Heroes, after all, are not extraordinary people: they are ordinary men and women who, in a decisive moment, put what is right before themselves. And it is precisely in that choice, so human and so luminous, that a normal life becomes an example and leaves a lasting mark. Thank you, Luca." This was Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's post on social media after today's visit to Modena—of which she posted photos—during which she also met Luca Signorelli, the man who helped stop El Koudri.
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Piantedosi: "The Modena incident can be classified as a psychiatric disorder."
"Clearly, investigators will conduct further investigations," but the incident appears to be related to "psychiatric distress." This was Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi's statement, following a meeting at the Prefecture in Modena regarding yesterday's events. "It doesn't change the tragic nature of the consequences and what happened; in fact, in some ways, it's worrying," but "given our job, it's comforting to note that we didn't miss anything from the standpoint of counterterrorism prevention," he added.
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Mattarella to Modena doctors: "Thank you for what you do."
President Sergio Mattarella, along with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, met with the medical team treating the injured at the Baggiovara Civil Hospital. "Thank you for what you do in this dramatic circumstance, but also routinely. We are aware," the head of state added, "of what you do every day. In this case, you are being cared for with particular attention and gratitude by all our fellow citizens."
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Signorelli: "I showed that Italy isn't dead."
"I showed that Italy isn't dead, it's still here." Luca Signorelli, who was the first to stop Salim El Koudri yesterday, told reporters outside the Modena Baggiovara hospital, and was injured in the scuffle with the 31-year-old. Signorelli met with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: "Mattarella congratulated me, he told me I made a heroic gesture." Signorelli was moved when recalling yesterday: "It seemed like a scene from Beirut, from Gaza. I saw people looking the other way because they were afraid. Sometimes you have to respond."
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Salim El Koudri did not respond to the Modena prosecutors
Salim El Koudri exercised his right to remain silent during questioning last night before Modena prosecutor Luca Masini and the prosecutor on duty. The 31-year-old, originally from the province of Bergamo and resident in Ravarino, is being represented by attorney Francesco Cottafava. When contacted, the lawyer stated that he had not yet been able to review any documents. His client has been detained for manslaughter and aggravated assault. The order will be validated at the beginning of the week.
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Egyptians who helped stop the attacker: "We weren't afraid."
"We weren't afraid. We're Egyptians; we only fear God." This was stated by Osama Shalaby, the 56-year-old Egyptian bricklayer who, along with his 20-year-old son Mohammed, attempted to subdue Salim El Koudri yesterday. The father and son recounted how they disarmed the man and expressed their gratitude for all the thanks they've received. "I've lived in Italy for thirty years, but I'm not an Italian citizen," the 56-year-old concluded. "I hope my gesture helps. Our dream is a public housing unit where we can all live together as a family."
