How An Italian MP's Gun Stole The Spotlight On New Year's Eve Party?

Emanuele Pozzolo, a lawmaker representing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, found himself amid a political storm after bringing a gun to a New Year's Eve party. The situation escalated when the firearm, identified as a 22-calibre North American Arms revolver, was discharged, resulting in a guest sustaining a light injury to the leg. The incident has sparked widespread astonishment and outrage among opposition politicians, raising questions about the responsible handling of firearms.

Pozzolo has acknowledged ownership of the weapon but vehemently denies firing the shot intentionally. In a statement reported by La Repubblica, the 38-year-old MP asserted, "I confirm that the shot was accidentally fired from a pistol I legally held, but it was not me that fired." 

The Unprecedented New Year's Eve Incident

The drama unfolded at a party in Rosazza near Turin, attended by approximately 30 guests, where Pozzolo admitted to possessing a mini revolver, reportedly a 22-calibre North American Arms revolver. However, he vehemently claims not to have fired the weapon, asserting that the discharge was accidental. The shot caused a light injury to the leg of a guest, identified as the son-in-law of a bodyguard of junior justice minister Andrea Delmastro, who was also present.

"I confirm that the shot was accidentally fired from a pistol I legally held, but it was not me that fired," Pozzolo, 38, stated in a press release cited by La Repubblica daily.

Political Fallout and Public Outcry

The incident has triggered a swift and severe response from opposition politicians, casting a spotlight on the broader issue of firearm regulation in Italy. The possession of firearms is strictly regulated in the country, with recent proposals from Meloni's party to lower the minimum age for obtaining a permit for a hunting rifle to 16.

Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, expressed astonishment at the revelation, stating, "We could not have imagined that the passion for weapons of Giorgia Meloni's party was such that MPs would take them loaded to New Year's Eve parties." Former centrist prime minister Matteo Renzi added, "Why bring guns to a New Year's Eve party in the presence of MPs and members of the government?"

Investigation Underway

Reports indicate that the incident is currently under investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge of the firearm. The controversy has further fueled the debate on firearm regulations in Italy, with Meloni's party facing criticism for its stance on the issue.

Reflections on Political Accountability

The possession of firearms in Italy is subject to stringent regulations, a fact highlighted by the recent proposal from Meloni's party to lower the minimum age for obtaining a permit for a hunting rifle to 16. The incident raises questions not only about individual responsibility but also about the broader political culture within Meloni's party. Critics, including Renzi, characterize them as inadequate, incapable, unpresentable, and, above all, dangerous.