Italian Journalist Sigfrido Ranucci Targeted in Car Bomb Attack: A Chilling Reminder of Press Perils
In a brazen act that has sent shockwaves through Italy’s media and political circles, investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci narrowly escaped harm late Thursday when a homemade explosive device detonated outside his Rome home, destroying his car and his daughter’s vehicle. The attack, which occurred around 10:17 p.m. in the Campo Ascolano neighborhood, is being probed by anti-mafia police as a potential intimidation tied to Ranucci’s decades-long exposés on organized crime, political corruption, and money laundering.
Ranucci, 62, is the veteran host of Report, Rai 3’s flagship investigative program, which has aired hard-hitting segments on mafia infiltrations, ‘ndrangheta ties to Colombian cartels, and the misuse of public funds—stories that have earned him enemies in high places. Under police protection since 2009 following threats from Sicilian mobsters, Ranucci has weathered a barrage of intimidation: bullets left in his garden, suspicious surveillance, and even death threats relayed through prison informants. This latest incident marks a dangerous escalation, with investigators exploring four to five leads all pointing to criminal networks rattled by his work.
The Quote That Captures a Lifetime of Defiance
Speaking to La Stampa hours after the blast, Ranucci reflected on the perils of his profession with unflinching resolve: “The list of enemies is long, I have never given anyone any discounts.” (Original Italian: “L’elenco dei nemici è lungo, non ho mai fatto sconti a nessuno”). In the interview, he elaborated on the “endless” roster of adversaries built over years of probing mafia-politics links, Albanian crime syndicates, and illicit finance schemes. “These are people focused only on business, power, and money—for them, information is an obstacle,” he said, emphasizing that Report has never lost a defamation lawsuit, a testament to its rigor. Ranucci, who described his life as “shit” but his job as “the most beautiful in the world,” called for renewed internal dialogue at Rai to protect public-interest journalism amid growing isolation.
The device—a rudimentary but potent “bomba carta” packed with about a kilogram of explosive—was placed under Ranucci’s car, igniting a fireball that shattered windows in nearby buildings and could have been lethal had his family been inside the vehicles. A neighbor alerted authorities after hearing the “tremendous bang,” and Ranucci’s security detail confirmed he and his daughter had just left the garage minutes earlier.
Broader Context and Possible Motives
This isn’t isolated: Italy has seen a surge in threats against journalists, with Ranucci’s case evoking the 1993 car bomb attempt on TV host Maurizio Costanzo for his anti-mafia stance. Recent Report episodes delved into black terrorism, mafia massacres, and shady funding in culture and renewable energy sectors—topics that have irked powerful figures, including political heavyweights. Anti-mafia prosecutors are sifting through connections to clans like the ‘ndrangheta, with one lead tracing back to a 2011 narcotrafficker who allegedly plotted his assassination.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni swiftly condemned the “cowardly act,” vowing full state support, while Rai’s CEO visited Ranucci to express solidarity. Colleagues, including author Roberto Saviano—who himself lives under guard—rallied online, with Saviano tweeting: “Those who analyze and investigate are now targets.” The International Federation of Journalists decried it as an assault on media freedom, urging swift justice. Ranucci’s son, Giordano, told reporters: “Dad is respected by many, but some don’t want him around.”
Implications for Press Freedom in Italy
As Report gears up for its October 26 return with episodes on mafia killings and Gaza funding scandals, this attack underscores Italy’s ranking as one of Europe’s riskiest spots for reporters—42nd on the World Press Freedom Index. Ranucci remains undeterred, telling investigators: “They could have killed us this time, but the threats won’t stop the work.” With his escort bolstered and forensics underway, the hunt for perpetrators intensifies, a stark reminder that in the shadows of power, truth-tellers pay the highest price.
This story is developing; Italian authorities promise updates as leads emerge. If you’re following Italian media or press rights, what’s your take on how governments should shield journalists like Ranucci?