Andrea Innocenti On Sunday night, October 4, 2026, the Quarticciolo neighborhood was once again the scene of verbal violence against the priest known for his fight against drug dealing. Don Antonio Coluccia , who has been under escort for years, was taking part in a regular walk for legality when he was approached by a dozen individuals intent on insulting and threatening him.
Don Antonio Coluccia suffered threats in Quarticciolo.
During the event, also attended by Andrea Stroppa, Elon Musk's Italian representative, the priest was surrounded by a group of people who, alternating between Italian and Arabic, addressed him with offensive and threatening words. The insults prompted those present to call for immediate intervention by law enforcement, who were already in the area conducting daytime drug trafficking patrols.
Carabinieri intervention and identification of those responsible
Carabinieri officers engaged in the same anti-trafficking operation promptly isolated the perpetrators and, based on witness statements, reported three Tunisian citizens for aggravated threats . The charges were filed while the suspects were released, while investigators are continuing their investigation to identify the group's other possible accomplices.
Institutional reactions to the verbal attack
The gesture sparked a swift outpouring of solidarity from the political class. Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini called the intimidation against a courageous priest "shameful and unacceptable ." Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the "vile threats" and stated that they cannot intimidate those who defend the rule of law. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida also emphasized that "the State is here and will not back down." Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana and Vice President Fabio Rampelli expressed firm support for Don Coluccia, calling him a champion against drug dealing . Finally, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri thanked the priest for his courage and reiterated the capital's support for law enforcement.
Context of the fight against drugs in Quarticciolo
This intimidation occurred amid intensified law enforcement operations in the neighborhood. On the previous Saturday, the Carabinieri conducted a sweep that resulted in eleven arrests , the seizure of 1,000 doses of drugs —including crack, cocaine, and hashish—and the recovery of approximately €2000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of illicit activity. The operation also resulted in the removal of 20 cubic meters of waste, including ten chairs used by drug dealers to patrol the area.
These measures, combined with Father Coluccia's walks, constitute a "permanent presence" requested by the priest himself to stem the spread of drug dealing and prostitution. The incident once again demonstrates the tensions that characterize Rome's peripheral neighborhoods, where the presence of criminal gangs is countered by a network of collaborations between institutions, law enforcement, and citizens committed to upholding the rule of law.