Why Bring a Gun to a New Year's Party... Politician Causes Trouble While Showing Off a Revolver

Bullet Fired, Grazing a Man's Leg

A member of the ruling party in Italy, 'Fratelli d'Italia (Fdl)', brought a handgun to a New Year's party, resulting in one person being injured.

On the 2nd (local time), Italian public broadcaster Rai News reported that Fdl member of the Chamber of Deputies Emanuele Fozzolo was involved in a shooting incident. At the time, Fozzolo was attending a New Year's party held in Rosazza, a small town in northern Piedmont, Italy.

Fozzolo reportedly brought a .22 caliber mini revolver to the party and showed it off to others. Party attendees passed the gun around to each other, and during this process, a bullet was discharged, grazing a man's leg.

Emanuele Fozzolo, a member of the Italian ruling party 'Fratelli d'Italia (FdI)'.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The victim who was shot was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the injury was confirmed to be not serious.

During the police investigation at the scene, Fozzolo admitted, "It is true that the gun was fired accidentally," but claimed, "I did not shoot it." However, he refused the police's request to submit the clothes he was wearing, citing parliamentary immunity. Ultimately, local police are investigating who fired the gun based on witness testimonies without evidence submitted by Fozzolo.

The Italian opposition promptly issued a strong statement criticizing Fozzolo. Elly Schlein, leader of the Italian Democratic Party, said, "These reckless people (Fdl) pose a threat not only to national security but also to the safety of those around them," and demanded, "Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni must immediately clarify what measures will be taken."

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also questioned, "Why did he bring a gun to a party attended by members of parliament and government officials?" and criticized, "The Meloni government is inappropriate, incompetent, and above all, dangerous."

Meanwhile, current Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly has not made any specific statements regarding the incident. However, Fdl responded in a statement, saying, "The party is not involved in this incident. Turning it into a political attack is absurd."

Regarding Fozzolo, they explained, "Appropriate measures will be taken if inappropriate behavior is revealed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.