Security around St Peter’s Square was tightened following a Sunday incident that saw a vehicle bypass a checkpoint and trigger a rapid emergency response. In an effort to stop the vehicle, two gendarmes were attacked as shots were fired at the wheels, marking a frightening moment in a location already accustomed to high security during major events. The episode prompted the immediate activation of anti-terror protocols by Italian police, and the Swiss Guard temporarily restricted access to Vatican corridors through its gates while investigators assessed the situation. (Police sources)
Local outlets reported that the driver, described as an Albanian national with a prior criminal record, was eventually detained after officers pursued him in the vicinity. The man, 39 years old, had just left the Pantheon area when police halted him for what began as a routine check. The pursuit continued as the vehicle moved along Paolo VI street, which runs near one of Bernini’s cloistered arms, before coming to a stop at Plaza del Santo Oficio. Carabinieri on scene attempted to intervene, but the driver bolted again. Early indications suggested the suspect was under the influence of drugs at the time. (Local media)
Two Italian agents managed to halt the vehicle on a nearby street, but not before the driver struck them with the car, causing minor injuries. In a tense moment, authorities resorted to using a stun device to immobilize the suspect after he refused to exit the vehicle. The quick actions of security personnel prevented a broader escalation, and the suspect was eventually brought into custody. (Law enforcement account)
Following the incident, a formal investigation was launched to determine the circumstances and identify any possible links to wider criminal networks. Early inquiries focused on the individual’s criminal history and movements in the minutes leading up to the event. At this stage, terrorism has been ruled out as a motive, with officials emphasizing that the primary concern remains public safety and the thorough understanding of the suspect’s intent and affiliations. (Authorities statement)
The Vatican and Italian security services are coordinating closely to review surveillance footage, coordinate with local law enforcement, and reaffirm protocols designed to protect visitors and residents during mass gatherings and ceremonial occasions. The incident underscores the ongoing importance of layered security in sensitive zones and the readiness of frontline officers to respond to sudden threats. It also highlights how quickly measures can shift from routine operations to crisis management in a setting that regularly welcomes international dignitaries and pilgrims. (Security briefing)