Chiara Ferrari Topics Covered
On the morning of November 3, Milan was the scene of a brutal attack that left the community in shock. Anna Laura Valsecchi, a 43-year-old woman, was stabbed in Gae Aulenti square, one of the busiest and most modern areas of the city, known for its skyscrapers and numerous offices.
Around 9:00 a.m., the woman was attacked from behind with a kitchen knife of considerable size, lodged in the back and side.
Initial reports revealed that the attack took place in a passageway between two buildings, making the scene even more disturbing for passersby who were nearby.
Details of the attack
According to reports, the blow was inflicted with unprecedented violence, so much so that the victim suffered serious injuries to her internal organs, including her spleen and lung. The prompt intervention of emergency responders was crucial: the woman was rushed to Niguarda Hospital in red code, where he underwent a delicate surgery that lasted over two hours.
Testimonies of passers-by
Witnesses' reactions were one of shock and disbelief. Some reported hearing the woman scream, "They stabbed me!" before collapsing to the ground. One witness described the horror of witnessing such a violent scene in a generally quiet area frequented by workers and tourists.
Identifying the attacker
After an hour-long intense search, the Carabinieri arrested Vincenzo Lanni, a 59-year-old man from Bergamo. He was arrested in a hotel in the city, where he was found in possession of the clothes he was wearing at the time of the attack. Lanni, a former programmer with a history of psychiatric disorders, had a criminal record dating back to 2015, when he attempted to kill two elderly people out of personal frustration.
Attacker Profile
Lanni's past has raised questions about his mental stability. Declared partially incompetent, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional three years to be served in a psychiatric facility. He had recently been removed from the community where he was housed, a detail that led to reflections on the treatment of individuals with similar issues.
Implications for public safety
This episode has reignited the debate on the public security In Milan. The area of Piazza Gae Aulenti, usually considered safe, has seen increased concern among residents and workers. The mayor and local authorities have announced their intention to intensify checks and review the effectiveness of the video surveillance system in the area.
In response to this attack, many people on social media expressed their dismay and fear, emphasizing how such an incident in broad daylight could undermine the sense of security in one of Milan's most iconic squares. Investigators are analyzing security camera footage to reconstruct the moments before and after the attack.
The violence of this attack has shaken a city that generally considers itself safe, prompting a collective reflection on how to ensure the safety of its citizens and prevent future episodes of aggression.