Italy: Police Thwart Terrorist Knife Attack in Support of ISIS

Reggio Emilia

Yet another reminder for us in the West that the terrorists who support ISIS are still walking among us, preparing to strike. In Reggio Emilia, Italian police have arrested a 22-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin for planning to carry out a knife attack on behalf of ISIS.

The article below in Il Giornale is translated by Fousesquawk. I should note that the writer, Giulia Sorrentino, has been subjected to numerous threats for her reporting on Islamist terrorism and migrant crime in Italy.

22-year-old arrested in Reggio Emilia: Follower of ISIS and ready to carry out an attack

22-year-old Italian with Moroccan origin arrested by police of Reggio Emilia and Bologna for the crime of recruiting for the purpose of international terrorism,

-Giulia Sorrentino  25 May 2026 at 17:04

The followers of the Islamic State are multiplying in Italy, and the latest troubling case involves the arrest of a 22-year-old Italian, of Moroccan origin by Italian police of Reggio Emilia and Bologna for the crime of recruiting for the purpose of international terrorism. A very young guy, who, according to what Il Giornale has learned, had decided to go into the city center with a knife and with the clear intent to injure other people. The action by law enforcement was immediate, also because on the evening in which the attacker had decided to strike, there was an important basketball game scheduled with thousands of spectators, as well as a musical event in San Prospero Square, an extremely crowded city center.

In short, the perfect place to act, as intended, on behalf of the Islamic State.  But the subject was not unknown to our authorities: He was already under surveillance since 2024, when he was arrested in Germany for some crimes committed there and for having several times manifested his willingness to act on behalf of Islamic terrorists. The 22-year-old, in fact, reportedly had contacts with a presumed supporter of Daesh (ISIS), who reportedly offered to instruct him and finance him to carry out an attack in Italy or abroad, and to whom the young man had reportedly consented, declaring himself, yet again, a supporter of the Islamic State. 

"In the name of the Parliamentary group, Fratelli d'Italia, in the Chamber (of Deputies), I express thanks and full appreciation for the timely and effective intervention by the State Police of Reggio Emilia and Bologna, which allowed the arrest of a subject accused of recruitment for the purpose of international terrorism. The operation confirms the high professionalism of our law enforcement and the importance of the daily work of prevention and countering the threats to public safety.

In a delicate moment in the international context, it is fundamental to repeat that the security of the nation is a shared responsibility that requires institutional collaboration, constant attention, and unity of purpose on the part of all political and social forces," stated the group leader of Fratelli d'Italia in the Chamber of Deputies, Galeazzo Bignami.

One Fine Day on a Belgian Tram

 

Rick Steves on a European tram

Traveling around Europe on public transport is no longer what Rick Steves cracks it up to be. Several tram employees and police officers were injured in a brawl that broke out when several young men were found to be without tickets.

The article below from the French-language Belgian site, 7 sur 7 is translated by Fousesquawk. In addition, the Dutch-language De Standaard has a video you can watch here. Translated subtitles of the Dutch captions are pending. 

Caption: The coastal tram. *Insert: The attack in De Haan (Le Coq in French)

Brawl breaks out on a De Haan tram: Several employees of De Lijn sent to the emergency room

A brawl on the De Haan (Le Coq in French) tram (Belgian coast) caused several injuries Sunday evening among the employees of De Lijn (transport company) and police after a (ticket) check of young men without tickets degenerated.

-Kevin Dupont

Source: Belga, HLN

25 May 2026, 08:35

Three young men, not having a valid ticket, tried to flee from a coastal tram. The De Lijn  (ticket) inspectors tried to stop them. This caused the situation to degenerate. A 4th young man, also without a ticket and originally from Ninove, was arrested by police, but not without a confrontation. Two officers were injured. One of them is now on leave of absence. According to HLN (news), a total of 7 people were sent to the emergency room.

Seven employees of the Flemish public transport company, including the conductor of the tram, were injured in the brawl. The 3 suspects then fled again. They are being sought.

Two Names on the Wall (Re-Post 2026)

As I do every Memorial Day weekend, I am re-posting what I wrote in 2007 regarding two friends who died in Vietnam, Dorian Jan Houser and Michael Gene Vinassa. May they rest eternally in peace.

Dorian Jan Houser (1946-1967)

Michael G Vinassa (1946-1966)


The recent news that someone had defaced the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington served to bring back my memories of two of my childhood friends whose names appear on that wall. Mike Vinassa and Dorian Houser were both from west Los Angeles, where I also grew up. We belonged to the same high school social club. All three of us entered military service after high school. I was assigned to Germany; they were sent to Viet Nam. I returned and went on with the rest of my life. They died in Viet Nam. Forty years later, with our country once again at war and American soldiers sacrificing their lives for America, we should also remember those that gave their lives in Viet Nam.

Dorian

I first knew Dorian in the 1950s. He and his brother, Lee, played on my little league team. Their father was our coach. Later, my relationship with Dory continued in school. In high school, we both belonged to a club called the Chancellors of Venice. As was common in west LA, there were many (off-campus) clubs formed for social purposes. We all had our club jackets, with the name of the club and locale (Venice or WLA) embroidered on the back. The colors of the clubs varied (ours was green). As we ended our high school days, these clubs disbanded as we went our separate ways-off to college, work or military service. In Dory's case, he entered the Marines in 1966, and after training, was sent to Viet Nam. On May 10, 1967, one month before his 21st birthday, he was killed in Quang Tin. He was hit in the chest by shrapnel and killed instantly.

I happened to be home on leave from Germany when we got the news that Dory was dead. I was able to attend his funeral before returning back to Germany. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it after all these years, but I chose not to wear my uniform to the funeral, simply because I was afraid his family might react emotionally to it. I have always regretted that decision.

Dory was the kind of guy that no one could dislike. He was friendly and unassuming. Needless to say, his funeral was a sad and emotional event. In the last couple of years, I have visited his grave a couple of times since my mother-in-law is interred in the same cemetery. About a year ago, I came across a posting about Dory by his sister. She described her brother and was looking for anyone who knew Dory and remembered him. I answered her post, but the email is no longer valid. As yet, I have not been able to contact her.

Mike

Mike Vinassa was also a member of the Chancellors. He was a stout, barrel-chested kid with a big tattoo on his shoulder, something unusual at the time for someone so young (still in high school). Needless to say, he was tough and didn't mind a good fight. Most other kids knew not to mess with him, but among his friends, he was well-liked. I remember one night we were at a party and he wanted to (playfully) roughhouse with me. We started slap-fighting and wrestling on the front yard of the house, and (somehow) I was able to throw him to the ground and fall on top of him. As you may know, innocent roughhousing among teenagers can easily turn into a real fight, and I remember thinking that Mike might suddenly get mad, so I rolled over and let him get on top, thus letting him win the match.

After high school, I went on to complete 2 years of college before I entered the Army. I basically lost touch with Mike and Dory at that time.

I had recently arrived at my post of duty in Germany when I came across Mike's name while reading the Viet Nam obituaries in the Army Times. It wasn't until several months ago that I learned the circumstances of Mike's death, which occurred on May 22, 1966.

Mike was a member of C Co, Ist Bn, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cav Division (US Army). Ironically, Mike was a short-timer, soon to return to the US, and, on that day, assigned to non-combat duties. Yet he insisted on accompanying his unit on a final combat mission in the Vinh Thanh Valley. It was on that final mission, that Mike lost his life-under heroic conditions. He personally led a group of his comrades in charging and taking out a machine gun nest that was pinning down his unit, but was fatally shot in the process. For his actions, Mike was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. His sole survivor was his mother.

In subsequent years, I have been able to find both their names on the Viet Nam Memorial. (I was living in the Washington area at the time.) As stated, I have visited Dory's grave, but as yet, have not identified Mike's cemetery. When I look back at my life after the Army, I contemplate how I finished college, began my career, got married, had children, retired, and now find myself in my 60s. But as I looked down on Dory's grave, I realized that he and Mike are frozen in time-forever 20 years old. I wonder what became of their parents, the rest of the families.

In a sense, today's soldiers are more fortunate than those who went to Viet Nam. The overwhelming majority of the American people greatly respect them (with the notable exception of the usual mindless idiots who are not worth further mention in this essay). Soldiers returning from Viet Nam were often subject to despicable treatment from those of their own generation who did everything they could to avoid military service. Once the Viet Nam War ended, the country wanted to forget about it as quickly as possible-after all, it was just a tragic period in our history. We also forgot about our Viet Nam veterans who came back alive-in so many cases, as walking wounded. They deserved so much better from us. They are still among us, and in many cases, still wounded.

All of us who lost friends or family members in Viet Nam should try to keep their memories alive and honor them. God rest their souls.

Michael G Vinassa- Panel 07E, line 104
Dorian Jan Houser- Panel 19E, line 082

Austria: Teenage Gang Sentenced in Vienna Court

A gang of 8 teenagers received various sentences in a Vienna court after they were convicted of a series of muggings. One of the defendants, a 15-year-old, was already convicted of rape. When the judge mentioned that in court, the boy yelled, "Wallah! (I swear by God in Arabic) Why do you have to say that so loud?"

The article below is translated from Heute (Austria) by Fousesquawk.

Rapist (15) in court

"Wallah (I swear by God)!" Do you have to say that now so loud ?"

The trial against 8 young repeat offenders(14,15): One is already a convicted rapist: When the judge mentions that in court, it becomes wild

From Newsdesk Heute

May 23, 2026, 15:30 

It is clear even at the start of the trial: This proceeding will not be the usual juvenile trial. Eight youths, 7 boys and 1 girl, had to answer in Vienna Friday for several brutal robbery attacks. The defendants are 14-15 years of age, according to the prosecutor, already "repeat offenders". 

In particular, a 15-year-old caused quite a stir. Judge Georg Allmayer listed his previous sentences in the Vienna State Court -three offenses in one year, "among others, for rape". Thereupon, the young boy apparently lost his temper according to Kronen Zeitung. "Wallah!" (I swear by God), he yelled loudly in the courtroom. He then added: "Ok, why do you have to say that so loud?"

The scenes corresponded to the serious accusations against the group. According to the investigations, the gang allegedly terrorized the students in Doebling. Victims reported daily intimidation in front of the school. "The gang is constantly hanging around in the 19th District. Several children are afraid and don't even report incidents although they happen daily," a teenager told the police.

Teacher locked the door

Another recounted, "It is common knowledge among the students that the group is armed with knives and brass knuckles." Especially shocking, according to the indictment, the teenagers even chased one victim to the teachers' lounge of a school. A teacher locked the door, but the boys kicked it and yelled, "The whore should come out".

According to investigators, the defendants were also organized during the muggings. At the Heiligenstadt subway station, one of the teenagers allegedly summoned his accomplices together with the words, "Here are two patients". The judge inquired about the meaning. The answer from the defendant: "Two people we can rip off." By "rip off," he meant, by his own statement, simply: "Rob them."

Grinned in court

In spite of the serious charges, many of the youths seemed remarkably relaxed in the courtroom. They grinned, whispered, and some were having fun in the proceeding. More youths came into the courtroom. Several police and court security officers, therefore, had to ensure security.

In the end, the verdicts were comparably mild: The first defendant received a one-year partially sentence. The 15-year-old, who stood out with his "Wallah!" remark, got 15 months as well as the revocation of a previously suspended 8-month sentence.

UC Davis: "We Know Where You (Zionists) Live"

The moral rot within the University of California system goes on without missing a beat.

On October 10, 2023, three days after the Hamas massacre in Israel that many in the US academic world celebrated, an assistant professor at UC Davis named Jemma Decristo reportedly posted the message on her social media, which you see below. Now, after a two-year investigation (!), UCD has decided to allow Decristo to remain at the university. Here is an article by the California Post (NY Post) from last January.

-NY Post

I can't imagine that the UCD campus newspaper, The Aggie, wouldn't have reported something on this. Since the news dates back to January, I entered Decristo's name into the Aggie search block and it came up negative.

Decristo claims that it all was in satire. Maybe so, but I dare say if a professor at any university had posted similar language, even in satire, regarding African-Americans, gays, or transgenders (Decristo classifies her/himself as the latter), that professor would be fired, and not after a two-year investigation. And I would support that firing.

Belgium: Prison Furloughs for Terrorist

Bataclan nightclub, November 13, 2015

There is outrage in Belgium and France over the granting of prison furlough to a man convicted both in France and Belgium for his involvement in two terror attacks, one an attack on a train from Amsterdam to Paris, and more importantly, the infamous November 2015 attacks in Paris that claimed the lives of some 130 people.

 Mohamed Bakkali was involved not only in the logistics and preparation of the November 2015 Paris attacks (Bataclan etc), but also in an incident in August 2015 where a Moroccan named Ayoub El Khazzani attempted a terror attack with a gun on a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris, in which three US servicemen helped subdue the attacker. Though the attack occurred on French soil and was tried in France, Belgium also charged Bakkali for his logistical involvement based on the fact that the attacker boarded the train in Brussels. Bakkali was arrested in Belgium and charged with heading a terrorist organization. He was sent back to France to be tried for the Paris attacks of November 2015, but on the condition that he be returned to Belgium after that trial.  Unfortunately, sentencing provisions in Belgium are considerably more lenient than in France. A Belgian court has ruled that Bakkali is entitled to six 36-hour furloughs.

The article below from the French-language site, RTL Belgium is translated by Fousesquawk.

Mohamed Bakkali, logistical coordinator of the Paris attacks, will be able to leave prison despite his 25-30 year sentence in prison. How is this possible?

-By Gwendeline Delieux

May 20, 2026 at 07:02

Sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment in France for his role in the thwarted Thalys (train) attack and those of November 13, 2015 in Paris, Mohamed Bakkali will, nevertheless, benefit from prison leaves in Belgium. That is a possibility due to the Belgian sentencing regulations, more flexible than those in effect in France, which will allow him to apply for an adjusted sentence after (serving) one-third of his imprisonment.

 Convicted for his logistical role in the terrorist cell responsible for the thwarted attack on the Thalys Amsterdam-Paris train in August 2015, then the Paris attacks of November 13, 2015, Mohamed Bakkali is about to benefit from 6 prison leaves, our colleagues at Sudinfo reveal. The 39-year-old man, originally from Verviers (Belgium), is for now, held at the Iltre prison, but has been sentenced in France: 25 years of imprisonment for the thwarted Thalys attack, and 30 years imprisonment with a minimum 2/3s time to be served for the Paris attacks. 

Had he served his sentence in France, he would not have been able to benefit from an adjustment of sentence before having served 2/3 of the sentence, thus 20 years in prison. But in Belgium, he can apply for prison leave after 1/3, that is, 10 years.

Six 36-hour leaves 

Mohamed Bakkali, thus, is entitled to six prison leaves of a maximum 36 hours each. The decision was made by the Brussels Sentencing Enforcement Court against the advice of the Public Prosecutor's Office. 

In its reasoning, the court finds that he has taken steps to find employment and lodging, that he is behaving in a calm and respectful manner, and that his wife is enthusiastic about welcoming him back.

*Update: The video in the above article from RTL, Belgium is reproduced below. Hat tip Gates of Vienna, Vlad Tepes, and RAIR Foundation USA for subtitling. Translation assistance by Fousesquawk. 

Troubling Questions Regarding Robert Spencer Event at UCI

This article first appeared in New English Review.

Last week, I attended a speaking event by Robert Spencer at the University of California at Irvine (UCI), which was hosted by Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), a conservative student organization with a chapter at UCI.  After attending the event, I have managed to obtain disturbing information concerning the difficulty that YAF encountered in arranging it.

Initially, the YAF's poster announcing the event read, "Robert Spencer at UCI: The dangerous myth of Islamophobia." UCI administration reportedly had YAF change the wording since it implied that UCI was hosting the event due to the "UCI" reference, even though the original announcement included "Young Americans for Freedom at UCI". The poster was thus changed to read "YAF at UCI presents: Robert Spencer on the dangerous myth of Islamophobia." The university also reportedly threatened to hit YAF with a "fronting fine" if the video of the event were put on Young America's Foundation's (their parent organization) YouTube channel by YAF. As one who has fought numerous battles at UCI over the right to videotape public events in public venues, it seems to me that YAF can do whatever it wants with the video. After all, by its own words, UCI had nothing to do with the event.

In addition, during the week leading up to the event, YAF put up about 500 posters around campus, which were repeatedly torn down. YAF recorded several students doing it in their presence. One such person may have been a professor, though this is not confirmed. There were also efforts around the campus discouraging students from attending the event. As it was, there were only about 20-25 people present.

If the above is the case, it is pretty much par for the course in my view. Fortunately, there were no serious disruptions, save for a rude interruption by one young man. I am sure Spencer is used to far worse. But if UCI is truly a place where differing and even controversial opinions can be heard, which is what I hear so many university administrators prattling about, then this is a strange way of showing it. 

The fact is that many universities put up bureaucratic obstacles when conservative or pro-Israel student groups want to bring in a speaker like Spencer, who, contrary to leftist dogma, is not a radical, but an expert, a scholar actually, on the Koran and Islamic teaching. He does not preach hatred towards Muslims but rather provides reasoned arguments as to how strict Islamic teaching and Sharia law are antithetical to our values of democracy and equality and are directly connected to the daily acts of violence that occur around the world. Indeed, much like the late Charlie Kirk, he invites debate and welcomes disagreements from the audience. Yet, he is unfairly labeled a hate monger by those who will not listen to him and cannot debate him.

UCI was one of dozens upon dozens of US universities that were subjected to pro-Palestinian encampments in 2024 following the monstrous Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in UCI's case, an encampment that had to finally be ended by police after the university completely failed to deal with it. And yet, UCI has apparently not learned its lesson. Disruption in the guise of free speech was allowed to go on for over 2 weeks at UCI. The solution is not to allow YAF's posters to be torn down and to put up roadblocks to efforts to hold a peaceful speaking event. The solution is not to send a university official to sit in the audience with a laptop, taking notes on what a conservative speaker has to say.

Over the past two decades, I have watched dozens of fire-breathing radicals come to speak at UCI, hosted by the Muslim Student Union and Students for Justice in Palestine. People like Amir Abdel Malik Ali, Abdul Alim Musa, Mohamed al-Asi, Hatem Bazian, Hussam Ayloush, Zahra Billoo, and too many others to list here have come to UCI and spouted pure poison, often making anti-Semitic comments in their speeches. They were not disrupted, and if UCI put up bureaucratic obstacles to student groups hosting those speakers, I have never heard any complaints brought forth by these groups.

It is the same old double standard, and once again demonstrates how our institutions of higher learning have no clue as to how to be a place where respectful and reasoned dialogue can take place, which is precisely what universities are supposed to be in the first place.

The San Diego Mosque Shooting

 I would be a hypocrite if I did not address yesterday's tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Three people, including a security guard, were murdered by two teenage boys, now identified as Cain Clark and Caleb Vasquez (reported in several media as Velasquez). All indications are that this is a hate crime at the hands of two obviously very disturbed boys, who committed suicide together after leaving the mosque and firing at another person a couple of blocks away.

Though we know who the shooters were, investigators are probing their exact motives. At this point, we know that they had racist attitudes, apparently against various groups, including Muslims. A gas can was found next to their car with a Nazi SS inscription.

There is no excuse or justification for this act, whatever the motives. It hearkens back to the mass murder at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, a few years ago. Some 50 people, all Muslims, were murdered by a young man at two separate mosques. I condemned that action then, just as I condemn this action now.

As I have said and written repeatedly, attacking innocent Muslims and/or mosques is not the solution to the problems we are facing regarding militant Islam. As my readers are well aware, I am a critic of many of Islam's teachings, as well as Islamist organizations like CAIR. I condemn Hamas, Hezbollah, and all violent Islamist groups that spread terror around the world. I have criticized several imams for the words they have spoken. I believe that many mosques in the West are breeding grounds for terrorist ideologies and Islamist supremacism. We must stand against all that, but it has to be done peacefully and lawfully, and innocent Muslims must not be the target for violence as happened yesterday.  We must continue to speak out, but we must always take care that our words do not incite violence.

There will be more to learn about these two boys and their motivation for targeting this mosque. Based on what we already know, it was most certainly motivated by hate. Nobody should excuse or try to explain away this act.

Italy: 2021 Emails from the Driver in Modena

-AP

The Italian press today is reporting that in April 2021, Salim El Koudri, the driver accused of mowing down 8 people on Saturday in Modena, sent 4 emails to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.  As investigators attempt to uncover a motive, these emails may provide a clue (graphic language).

The first paragraph in below article from Il Tempo is translated by Fousesquawk.

" Shitty Christian bastards, I will burn you and your Jesus on the cross." The sentence was one of the emails sent April 27, 2021 to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia by Salim El Koudri, the 31-year-old arrested Saturday in Modena after having run down 8 people with a car in the center of the city. The emails, 4 in a little less than one hour, are now being examined by the investigators. The first message arrives at 19:28: You have to let me work as an employee, not as a warehouse worker, understand, and here in Modena, not in the asshole of the world where you have 500 euros in your pocket per month if you are lucky. A few minutes later, another request: 'Let me work'. Then the insult against Christians and against Jesus. Finally, the apology: 'Sorry for the rudeness."'

Amy Mek Testimony Before Congress, May 13, 2026-Opening Statement

 

On May 13, Amy Mekelburg, whose pen name is Amy Mek, testified in front of Congress on the threat of Islam. I am cross-posting the video of her opening statement.

Amy is the founder of RAIR Foundation USA, a blog that I often collaborate with, along with Vlad Tepes and Gates of Vienna in translating European news articles about migrant crime and Islamization in  Europe.

I support Amy and salute her for her courage. I encourage everyone to watch her statement. If you think she said anything that is erroneous factually, do your research. She speaks the truth.

Note: The subtitles have a couple of typos: "E-Mon" should read "imam". In addition, "Haiti" should read "Katy" (Texas).

New York City: Muslims Hold Prayers in Front of Jewish Girls' School

 Hat tip RAIR Foundation USA

-Shore News Network

Muslim Men Stage Public Prayer Blockade Outside All-Girls Jewish School in NYC – Councilwoman Inna Vernikov Demands Answers from Mayor Mamdani (Video) - RAIR

I am cross-posting an article from RAIR Foundation USA, in which they report that a large group of Muslim men decided this week to hold their prayers right in front of a Jewish girls' school in Brooklyn. You can access a video of the incident at the above link. (I cannot seem to hyperlink it for some reason.)

This is not a demonstration of religious piety. This is a deliberate effort to intimidate those at the Jewish school. To demonstrate that they are taking over New York City, with the full blessing of their Islamist mayor, Zohran Mamdami.

It is like when they pray openly on city streets in non-Muslim countries. It is a sign of defiance.  In this case, it is another blot on New York City.

Muslims in New York have plenty of mosques where they can pray like every other religion does, in a house of worship where they do not disrupt, disturb, and intimidate others. Yet, they choose to pray in front of a Jewish girls' school. And they cry about Islamophobia! Maybe if they stop doing outrageous acts like this, and stop the killing all over the world, there would be less Islamophobia.

Italy: Vehicular Terror Attack in Modena

Hat tip Vlad Tepes and Gates of Vienna

-Il Giornale

The driver, Salim El Koudri

-La Stampa

Today in Modena, Italy, a man identified as 31 years old, of Moroccan origin, drove his car at high speed through the city streets, striking down several pedestrians before being subdued by witnesses. One woman reportedly had to have both legs amputated after being pinned against a wall when the car crashed over the sidewalk. The driver, identified by Il Giornale as Samir El Koudri or Koudiri was tackled by witnesses, one of whom reported suffering a stab wound in the process. Several people are in critical condition, though no deaths are reported as yet.

We are working on translating Italian reports and videos into English. Il Giornale has several photos and videos (graphic).

Update: The article below from Il Giornale is translated by Fousesquawk.

Born in Italy but of North African origin: Who is Salim El Koudri, 31 who launched himself with his auto into the crowd in Modena?

A man of 31 driving, born in the province of Bergamo, in Seriate, but resident in the province of Modena, of North African origin

Alessandra Corradi 16 May 2026 at 22:38

An auto (driven) at high speed into the crowd: A 31-year-old man driving, born in the province of Bergamo in 1995 but resident in the province of Modena, of North African origin. His name is Salim El Koudiri, and he has a degree in economics. He has no criminal record, but also no fixed employment. Now, his life is being dug into to determine if he has any connection with radicalized, non-linear organizations, since, as of now, no theory is being ruled out, including that of terrorism. It appears that the man has received psychiatric treatment in the past. And this profile, yet to be confirmed, but already outlined in broad terms, also by the city's mayor. "It is not known if he acted under the effect of substances or if he carried out this act deliberately. At this moment, he is at police headquarters under interrogation," declared the mayor of the Emilia (province) city (Modena), Massimo Mezzetti, who arrived at the scene.

Salim El Koudri (is) the name of the second-generation criminal who, today in Modena, mowed down innocent passersby with his car at high speed. Stopped by courageous citizens despite having a knife, he was arrested. "There can be no justification for such a heinous crime," Minister Matteo Salvini declared. According to some witnesses, the man reportedly took up the chase and plowed at high speed, aiming at pedestrians on the sidewalk. Once free from the car, where he was trapped, it appears he stabbed those who were attempting to provide first aid. According to initial information from a witness, it seems he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, yet news is arriving from police headquarters, where the man is still under interrogation to determine what was behind the act. In the evening, the prefect of Modena, Fabrizia Triolo, in a press conference, denied that he was under the influence, stressing that," he was not under (the influence) of psychotropic substances, so he had a semblance of lucidity."

*Update: May 17, 2026: Below is one of the videos contained in the above Il Giornale article, in which we have added English subtitles. Hat tip to RAIR Foundation USA, Vlad Tepes, and Gates of Vienna for subtitling. Translation by Fousesquawk.

*Update (5-18-26). I have been following up with the news reports out of Modena, and it appears that, as yet, nobody has died from their injuries. I should also note here that among those bystanders who chased down the driver (at least 3), one was Egyptian and one was Albanian, both long-time residents of Italy. That is good news.