Lecce centre violent incident prompts security response

A young man in a state of agitation attacked passersby, damaged street furniture and harmed merchants in the historic centre of Lecce, near Palazzo Carafa. The assault caused panic among residents, tourists and shop owners.

Carabinieri and local police officers quickly intervened, using a taser to immobilise the individual and escorting him to medical care for assessment. Regional councilor Paolo Pagliaro, president of the Fratelli d'Italia group in the Puglia regional council, condemned the episode, praised the rapid response of the forces, and called for zero tolerance of degradation in historic city centres.