Italian public opinion is shocked in the aftermath of the car attack that targeted pedestrians in Modena, leaving eight people seriously injured. According to Italian media, the perpetrator is named Salim El Koudri, holds Italian citizenship and is of Moroccan origin, but does not appear to be connected to terrorist groups. As eyewitnesses report, the car he was driving mounted the sidewalk at dizzying speed, possibly exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, running down unsuspecting pedestrians.
Watch the moment of the horrific incident
Ecco l’attacco di #Modena. Le immagini valgono più di mille parole. Alla guida Salim El Koudri. In Italia serve pulizia. pic.twitter.com/eYCGca2Xce
— Marco Maggioni (@marcmaggioni) May 16, 2026
Modena: How the perpetrator acted
The perpetrator then got out of the vehicle and began stabbing a pedestrian, who managed to disarm him. El Koudri studied economics in Italy and previously received treatment for psychological problems, while he had recently exhibited mental disorders.
The 31-year-old perpetrator is charged with “committing a massacre” by Italian prosecutorial authorities, as provided by the country’s penal code.
Two victims underwent amputations
Two of the injured underwent surgery for lower limb amputations.
A 55-year-old woman remains in critical condition after being crushed between the car and a shop window.
Two other victims, aged 52 and 69, are in serious condition.
Meloni rushes to Modena
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni decided to cancel her scheduled visit to Cyprus today and will travel immediately to Modena.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella will also visit the city, thanking citizens who helped arrest the perpetrator.
Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti stated that El Koudri, according to the city’s mental health services, exhibited schizoid personality disorder from 2022 to 2024. He added that “everything appears to point to an individual act, beyond the bounds of reason.”
Who is the perpetrator
Salim El Koudri holds Italian citizenship and is of Moroccan origin. He studied economics in Italy and previously received treatment for psychological problems. So far, he does not appear to have a criminal record, while according to Italian public television Rai, reports indicate that Koudri had recently exhibited mental disorders.
Prosecutors, with the investigation they have already begun, must determine what caused the horrific, frenzied car rampage with which he injured seven pedestrians yesterday afternoon on a central Modena street, and immediately afterward a passerby who tried to stop him when he got out of the car attempting to flee.
Italian authorities are investigating after 31-year-old Salim El Koudri allegedly drove at high speed through Via Emilia in Modena, hitting multiple pedestrians before crashing and allegedly stabbing a bystander who tried to stop him from fleeing.
At least eight people were… pic.twitter.com/UPfvPZ34aF
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 17, 2026
