19.10.2026 08:30
In Milan, Italy, as protests turned into violence, masked groups looted stores and damaged businesses. During the incidents, moments drew attention when one person intervened alone with a stick against the group alleged to be looters. Many people were detained in the incidents that security forces intervened in.
Following the protests in France, the streets also became chaotic in Italy. In Milan, demonstrations that began on Saturday, October 17 against wars and rising living costs continued on Sunday, October 18. In the protests, which were initially organized peacefully, great tension was experienced in the city center after groups covering their faces clashed with police and looted stores.
THEY LOOTED STORES AND SMASHED SHOP WINDOWS
The incidents were concentrated especially around Piazza del Duomo, one of Milan's iconic spots, and its surroundings. Masked groups gathered around Via Torino, Piazza Mercanti, Via Dante and Piazza Cordusio broke the store windows and entered.
The shop windows of the Under Armour and Levi's stores on Via Orefici were smashed with an electric scooter handlebar. As the people who entered took products from the stores and left, hangers and various items were scattered on the streets.
Stores such as Foot Locker, Champions and Decathlon also became targets of the incidents. While some groups threw nearby tables and chairs at the windows of businesses, trash cans were overturned, and vehicles and public property were damaged.
HE INTERVENED WITH A BAT AGAINST LOOTERS
A footage said to have been recorded during the incidents in Milan attracted attention on social media.
In the video alleged to have been shot in front of the Under Armour store, a person holding a bat was seen intervening against people alleged to have looted the store.
While it was claimed in the footage that the man tried to stand against multiple people alone, the video was quickly shared on different social media accounts.
However, whether the person in the footage was the store owner, the identities of the people he intervened against, and all details of the incident could not be verified by independent sources. Although posts were made on social media suggesting that these people were immigrants, there is no official statement confirming the claim in question.
POLICE USED TEAR GAS AND WATER CANNON
As the violent incidents escalated, police and gendarmerie units took extensive security measures in the city center.
After protesters attacked security forces with stones, chairs and various objects, riot police units used tear gas and pressurized water.
Chases took place between police and masked groups in Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding streets. Some protesters dispersed into side streets to escape the security forces' intervention.
In the incidents, in which police vehicles were also damaged, barricades were set on fire.
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED AT HISTORIC SHOPPING ARCADE
Extraordinary security measures were also taken around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan's most important tourist spots.
While entrances to the historic shopping arcade were brought under control by police teams, some businesses closed their doors.
While businesses such as Camparino and Cracco suspended their operations, venues such as Biffi and Savini took precautions against possible attacks by removing tables, chairs and glass partitions outside.
Due to the incidents in the city center, activity decreased in areas where tourists and citizens are densely present.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY EXCEEDED 200
The toll of the incidents in Italy is also worsening. According to information shared by the Italian news agency ANSA on the night of October 18, the number of people taken to police stations during the two-day incidents in Milan exceeded 200. It was stated that approximately 80 percent of these people were under the age of 18.
In police data regarding the incidents across the country on the first day, it was announced that 28 people were arrested, legal proceedings were initiated against 43 people, and 141 security officers were injured.
MELONI DECIDED ON AN EMERGENCY SECURITY MEETING
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the violent incidents in many cities, especially Milan. Meloni, stating that holding demonstrations is a democratic right but that setting cities on fire is unacceptable, reacted to attacks on security forces.
Following the increasing violent incidents, Meloni decided to hold a meeting on Monday, October 19, where public order and security issues would be addressed.
PROTESTS ALSO SPREAD TO OTHER CITIES
Along with the incidents that began in Milan, protests were also held in cities such as Turin, Bologna, Brescia and Bergamo. While stores were targeted in Turin, clashes occurred between protesters and police in Bologna. Security forces intervened with pressurized water and tear gas in some areas.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said that the reasons for the protests were understandable, but that attacks on security forces and the destruction caused in the city were unacceptable.