Italian authorities and media quickly blamed ‘mental health issues’ after a driver of North African descent ran over a number of pedestrians and then stabbed a man who tackled him as he fled on foot, according to reports.
The horrifying incident unfolded at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in Modena.
Surveillance footage shows a Citroen C3 suddenly speed up to approximately 100 mph as it hopped a curb and mowed down pedestrians and a bicyclist, some of whom were thrown into the air.
The driver then zig-zagged to the opposite side of the street in an apparent attempt to strike more people before slamming into a storefront, crushing a woman who had tried to take shelter.
Moments later, the driver emerged from the vehicle and swiped at bystanders with a knife as he ran from the scene.
An Italian man identified as Luca Signorelli courageously pursued the armed assailant, taking him to the ground while being slashed in the process.
Other men aided Luca in subduing the suspect until police arrived.
“I have show that Italy is not dead,” a bloodied Signorelli stated when asked by a journalist if he ‘understood the importance of his actions.’
At least eight people were injured, including several who were listed in critical condition.
One woman reportedly lost both her legs, which were amputated due to the severity of her injuries.
Two of the victims were tourists from Germany and Poland, authorities say.
The suspect was identified as Salim El Koudri, 31, a man with Italian citizenship whose family came from Morocco.
“A house search is underway in Ravarino (Modena), where El Koudri lives. Signs of severe mental instability are emerging. He underwent psychiatric treatment in 2022 for schizoid disorders, confirms prefect Fabrizia Triolo; he had been treated several times at the ‘Centro di Salute Mentale’ in Castelfranco Emilia,” La Repubblica reports.
During questioning, El Koudri reportedly told authorities, “I am bullied, marginalized, and live in a country of racists.”
An investigation is ongoing.
