In a shocking incident that highlights workplace violence, Federica Angeli, a journalist known for her investigative work on organized crime, was attacked by a shop assistant while shopping at a supermarket in Rome. The altercation occurred on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Todis supermarket located on viale di Castel Porziano in the Infernetto area, just before the Easter holiday.
Angeli, who has been under police escort due to threats related to her work exposing mafia activities, was simply trying to buy bread when the incident unfolded. According to her detailed account shared on social media, she was number 81 in line at the bread counter, while the display showed that number 63 was being served. The situation was tense, with a long queue of impatient customers.
In an effort to alleviate the chaos, Angeli suggested to a second shop assistant, who was not attending to customers, to help her colleague who was struggling with the line. However, the suggestion was met with hostility. The shop assistant, visibly frustrated, insulted Angeli in front of other customers. "With whom does she take it out? Of course, on me!" Angeli recounted, emphasizing the absurdity of being targeted for merely trying to help.
The situation escalated when the shop assistant threw bread and a knife onto the ground, announcing her intention to see the store manager before Angeli could. Minutes later, as Angeli approached the checkout, the assistant confronted her and delivered a punch to her shoulder. Fortunately, the blow was partially cushioned by the intervention of one of Angeli's security escorts, preventing a more serious injury.
In her post, Angeli expressed her disbelief over the incident, stating, "Only thanks to my escort did it not end worse." She also criticized the store manager's response, who defended the shop assistant by claiming she had come to work despite having a fever. "You have to understand her," he reportedly said, prompting Angeli to reflect on the normalization of such violent behavior in the workplace.
Angeli's experience has sparked outrage and raised questions about the management of customer service and employee conduct in retail environments. She stated, "Those who commit such actions must be held accountable. Always." Following the incident, she filed a complaint against the shop assistant, underscoring her commitment to ensuring that violence is not tolerated, regardless of the circumstances.
As a journalist who has faced threats for her work, Angeli's experience resonates deeply within the community. She has spent years exposing the mafia's infiltration in Ostia and has been under police protection since 2013. This incident, however, is a stark reminder that violence can erupt in everyday situations, even in places meant for commerce and community.
The incident has drawn attention not only from fellow journalists but also from the public, who are expressing solidarity with Angeli. Many are questioning how a store can justify a staff member's violent outburst, especially when that person is in a position of customer service. Angeli's call to action is clear: "To those living in the area, I say: be careful when visiting that supermarket because if a shop assistant punches you, the manager will just give you your change back!" This ironic statement encapsulates the broader issue of accountability in customer service and the importance of addressing workplace violence.
Despite the aggression she faced, Angeli remains undeterred in her mission to report on injustices and hold those accountable for their actions. Her resilience is a testament to her dedication to journalism and the fight against organized crime. As she continues her work, the hope is that incidents like this will lead to greater awareness and changes in how retail environments handle conflict and employee behavior.
In light of this incident, many are calling for better training and support for employees in high-stress environments, as well as a reassessment of policies regarding workplace conduct. The expectation is that all employees, regardless of their circumstances, should be held to a standard of professionalism that ensures the safety and respect of customers.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against wrongdoing, whether it be in the context of organized crime or in everyday interactions at the grocery store. Federica Angeli's experience is not just a personal ordeal; it reflects a societal issue that demands attention and action.
