Biella, Italy – Might 9, 2025
The controversy surrounding the New 12 months’s Eve 2023 taking pictures in Rosazza, Italy, involving Brothers of Italy (FdI) MP Emanuele Pozzolo has reignited following latest statements made on the investigative program Report. Pozzolo, whose .22 caliber mini-revolver unintentionally wounded a visitor at a celebration, has contradicted Undersecretary of Justice Andrea Delmastro’s account, asserting that “we had been all inside” the venue when the shot was fired, instantly difficult Delmastro’s declare of being outdoors. The incident, which injured Luca Campana, the 31-year-old son-in-law of Delmastro’s bodyguard, continues to gasoline political and authorized tensions as Pozzolo faces trial in February 2025.
The Incident and Preliminary Accounts
On December 31, 2023, a New 12 months’s Eve celebration on the Professional Loco corridor in Rosazza, a small city in Piedmont, turned chaotic when a shot from Pozzolo’s legally owned North American Arms LR22 mini-revolver grazed Campana’s leg. The occasion, attended by about 30 individuals together with Delmastro, his sister Francesca (Rosazza’s mayor), and their safety crew, was winding down when Pozzolo arrived after midnight. Pozzolo admitted to bringing the gun however denied firing it, claiming the shot was unintentional and attributable to another person dealing with the weapon. The Biella prosecutor’s workplace, nevertheless, charged him with negligent damage, unlawful carrying of a firearm, and failure to safe the weapon, with a trial set for February 25, 2025.
Delmastro initially informed Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica that he was outdoors, roughly 300 meters away, loading his automobile with leftover meals when the shot occurred, unaware that Pozzolo was armed. He claimed he mistook the sound for a firecracker and solely realized of the incident upon returning, describing Pozzolo as “catatonic” and repeatedly asking, “May I’ve fired?”
Pozzolo’s Contradictory Declare
In a latest Report interview aired on Might 4, 2025, Pozzolo challenged Delmastro’s account, stating, “We had been all inside” when the shot was fired, implying Delmastro was current within the room. This contradiction, highlighted in an X submit by @lallylally69 on Might 9, 2025, has sparked accusations that Delmastro could have misled investigators. Pozzolo’s declare aligns with some witness testimonies, together with that of Pablito Morello, Delmastro’s bodyguard, who described Pozzolo displaying the gun to friends earlier than the shot. One other witness reported to ANSA that lower than 20 seconds elapsed between Pozzolo displaying the weapon and the shot, suggesting a fast sequence of occasions contained in the corridor.
Pozzolo’s protection, detailed in a July 2024 interview with Il Giornale, asserts that the gun fell from his jacket as he ready to depart, and Morello picked it up, presumably triggering the shot. He claimed to have instantly informed Delmastro, “I swear the shot didn’t come from my hand,” and cited native FdI politician Davide Zappalà as corroborating his model. Nonetheless, a ballistic report cited by Left journal states that Pozzolo was holding the revolver, standing upright, when the shot was fired, undermining his narrative.
Authorized and Political Fallout
The Biella prosecutor’s investigation has revealed conflicting testimonies. DNA proof recognized traces from Pozzolo, Morello, and Morello’s son, Maverick, on the gun, complicating the query of who fired it. Pozzolo examined optimistic for gunshot residue on his arms and garments however invoked parliamentary immunity to keep away from surrendering his clothes, a transfer criticized by opposition leaders. The Biella Prefecture revoked his firearms license in January 2024, and FdI suspended him from the get together, although he stays within the Protection Committee.
The opposition, led by the Democratic Celebration’s Elly Schlein, has known as the incident emblematic of FdI’s recklessness, demanding accountability from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Schlein labeled Pozzolo and Delmastro “a hazard to these round them,” whereas Matteo Renzi criticized the federal government’s “incapability.” Meloni, reportedly “irritated,” condemned Pozzolo’s actions as “folly” and pushed for his suspension, however FdI has downplayed the incident’s political relevance.
Delmastro’s shifting statements have drawn scrutiny. Whereas he initially claimed to be absent, his April 2024 testimony to prosecutors admitted he heard the shot whereas smoking outdoors, contradicting earlier accounts. Report’s investigation, previewed by @CiaoNando on X, highlighted these inconsistencies, elevating questions on whether or not Delmastro’s proximity to the incident was understated to defend his fame.
Public and Media Response
The Report revelations have amplified public debate. X posts replicate polarized sentiment: @lallylally69 accused Delmastro of “shamelessly mendacity” and questioned whether or not Meloni would act, whereas @CiaoNando urged Report’s findings might result in authorized repercussions for Delmastro. Italian media, together with La Stampa and Domani, have detailed witness accounts portraying Pozzolo as “tipsy” and uncooperative with police, additional damaging his credibility. Campana, who settled with Pozzolo by way of an financial settlement, has not pressed expenses however requires crutches because of his damage.
What’s Subsequent?
As Pozzolo’s trial approaches, the prosecution awaits remaining ballistic and forensic analyses to make clear the shot’s dynamics. Pozzolo’s choice to stay silent throughout a January 2024 interrogation, citing incomplete technical reviews, suggests a technique to delay till proof is conclusive. The political fallout continues to pressure FdI, with Delmastro’s credibility beneath fireplace and Meloni going through strain to deal with the incident decisively. The case underscores Italy’s strict gun legal guidelines and the dangers of firearms in social settings, maintaining the highlight on FdI’s inside self-discipline.
For updates, observe ANSA or @ReportRai3 on X.
