On the late afternoon of February 27, 2025, panic broke out at Milano Centrale Station when witnesses reported seeing a man wielding what looked like a rifle. The alarming sight prompted immediate calls to law enforcement, leading to swift police action.
According to reports, the first sighting occurred around 5 PM, as passengers on the lower level of the train station alerted authorities, saying, "C’è un uomo con un fucile a tracolla" (There is a man with a rifle slung over his shoulder). Responding quickly, agents from the Polfer, the police responsible for railway security, began reviewing surveillance footage to verify the claims.
The footage confirmed the alarming reports, as security cameras captured the man calmly walking through the station with the apparent weapon. Eyewitnesses described him as wearing dark clothing—a jacket and pants—paired with a light crossbody bag. The rifle, characterized by its wooden stock, was sometimes pointed downwards, leading to speculation about whether it was real or merely a replica.
Confirmation from the video footage showed the suspect strolling through various areas of the station, seemingly unperturbed and not threatening anyone as he passed by other travelers. Further reports indicated he may have aimed to board the metro, and shortly after being seen at Centrale, he was reportedly spotted near the Famagosta subway station.
The search intensified as police began distributing images of the man to all patrol units within the vicinity, but initial attempts to detain him were unsuccessful. Major concerns grew over whether the rifle was genuinely functional and why he was brandishing it so openly. Investigators resumed scanning surveillance data to piece together the man's movements, leading to Famagosta where the second sighting was confirmed.
Despite the chaotic scene, authorities reassured the public stating no one had been threatened during the incident. People reported their encounters not as aggressive; instead, the focus remained on the unusual sighting. Panic was evident among travelers, but no immediate harm was reported.
This incident raises questions about public safety and the measures underway to prevent similar occurrences. Previous incidents reminiscent of this alarming sight have surfaced within the station, indicating the need for heightened scrutiny over armed individuals and overall station security. For example, back in June 2018, police dealt with another alarming incident involving transient individuals at the station carrying unauthorized items.
Outputs from investigations point to the necessity of additional resources put toward monitoring areas frequented by travelers. The police are diligently tracing the unidentified man’s path, hoping to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the sighting and whether the weapon was genuine or not.
The fear felt throughout Milano Centrale echoed across the wider community, prompting discussions over measures to bolster security presence and prevent potential threats from manifesting during peak travel times. Public safety, particularly within transit hubs, remains at the forefront of police discussions.
Police Commissioner statements emphasized their commitment to investigating the situation thoroughly, urging the public to remain vigilant but calm, insisting the occurrence did not culminate in any threats. Observers have also been encouraged to report unusual activities at crowded locations.
Vigilance, accountability, and proactive police work remain pivotal as investigations continue, ensuring the safety of commuters moving through one of Italy’s busiest stations.
With each development, law enforcement hopes to not only identify the individual seen but also reaffirm the safety of the traveling public through enhanced security enforcement protocols.