ATTACKER IDENTIFIED AS SALIM EL KOUDRI

ROME, MAY 17 /SRNA/ - The man who drove a car into pedestrians in Modena has been identified as Salim el Koudri, an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin.

El Koudri /31/ drove into a group of people in the city center yesterday and, according to the latest data, injured eight people, four of whom are in serious condition. Among the seriously injured, two people lost their legs, and one is in critical condition. El Koudri attempted to flee and stabbed one of the three bystanders who tried to stop him. Later he was arrested by the police. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella traveled to Modena today. Meloni canceled a meeting in Nicosia with the President of Cyprus to come to Modena together with Mattarella. Attacks in which vehicles are used against crowds are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Some have been characterized as terrorist attacks. The Italian Prosecutor's Office announced that they are trying to determine El Koudri's motives. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who leads the anti-immigration League party, today on "X" called for the revocation of residence permits for those who commit crimes. Massimo Mezzetti, the mayor of Modena, said that among those who tried to stop El Koudri were two citizens of Egyptian origin. Mezzetti stated that El Koudri has been treated for mental health problems in the past, holds a degree in economics, and is unemployed.