Italian authorities have uncovered violent schemes aimed at attacking police, stealing, and setting fire to government buildings, all stemming from an investigation into riots that took place in Milan.
Officials found a WhatsApp group with over 230 members engaged in discussions about targeting law enforcement, committing arson, and conducting thefts. This prompted around 150 searches across various locations in Italy, as reported. Police seized various weapons including knives, brass knuckles, and an axe inscribed with anti-police sentiments, while also conducting an investigation into a researcher charged with inciting violence under the guise of terrorism.
There was no immediate response from Italian police regarding inquiries related to the situation. (RELATED: Europe’s Riots Take Terrifying Turn As Anti-Terror Police Investigate Arson, Reports Of Armed Rioters Surface)
Following the arrest of Youseff Siher, a Moroccan scholar specializing in Islamic studies, investigators examined his phone and discovered the WhatsApp group with close to 230 members. A message in the group advised members against wearing ski masks immediately to avoid police detection. Police obtained a search warrant for the home of a teenager linked to this message, where they found a balaclava and an Under Armour shirt believed to have been stolen.
🇮🇹 The violent riots have SPREAD to Italy, and the fashion capital of Milan is taking the full brunt of it. More “aggrieved European students” are smashing cars and kicking through store windows. The police have deployed tear gas but honestly, this already looks completely out of control. We’re watching the collapse of Europe in real time. Writers: Bri, Michael https://t.co/1eUVu2FIPK
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 19, 2026
Discussions within the group revealed intentions to incite violence, with some members plotting to “steal their [police officers’] weapons,” as reported.
One member reportedly urged, “Let’s grab one, beat him up and take his weapon.” Another suggested, “Hey guys, if we’re going to protest, let’s set fire to a government building.” There were also calls from others to steal cars and rob various businesses, including a Gucci store.
Utilizing information from the group chat, police carried out over 150 searches across different provinces in Italy. They discovered numerous weapons like knives, a hatchet engraved with “1312” — representing “ACAB,” an acronym for “all cops are bastards” — knuckledusters, a baton, and firearms. Siher has chosen to remain silent regarding the charges against him.
