(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 05.18.2023).- Around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, a car reached St. Anne’s Entrance to the Vatican.
Heedless of the directions given to him by the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps, which prevented him from entering the State without the relevant authorizations, he temporarily exited the Entrance and, after maneuvering, re-entered at high speed, forcing the two control gates, of the Swiss Guard and the Gendarmerie Corps of the Vatican City State.
In an attempt to stop the car, the Gendarmerie inspector guarding the gateway fired a gunshot in the direction of the vehicle’s front tires. Although he hit the vehicle on the left front fender, the car continued on its way.
The alarm code having been quickly radioed, the guard closed the Gate of the Mint, which provides access to the rear of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican gardens and St. Martha’s Square.
The car meanwhile reached the San Damaso Courtyard, and the driver got out independently and was stopped and placed under arrest by the Gendarmerie Corps.
The man, about 40 years old, was immediately examined by doctors from the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, who found a serious state of psychophysical alteration.
The person is currently in a detention cell at the new premises of the Gendarmerie Barracks, at the disposal of the Judicial Authority.
