A powerful bomb exploded late on Thursday outside the home of Rai investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, in what Italian authorities have described as a deliberate act of intimidation.
Key facts:
- A one-kilo bomb exploded outside Rai journalist Sigfrido Ranucci’s home near Rome on Thursday night.
- The blast destroyed two cars and damaged nearby property.
- Ranucci and his daughter were unharmed, but police say the device “could have killed anyone passing by.”
- Anti-mafia prosecutors are leading the investigation, treating the incident as an act of intimidation.
- Italian and EU leaders have condemned the attack as a threat to press freedom.
The explosion occurred around 10 p.m. in Campo Ascolano, a small coastal town near Rome, destroying Ranucci’s car and another vehicle belonging to his daughter. Although no one was injured, investigators said the one-kilo device was strong enough to kill anyone nearby.
The bomb was placed between two flower pots outside Ranucci’s residence. Police sources described it as a rudimentary explosive, likely ignited with a fuse rather than a remote control or timer. The blast shattered windows, damaged a neighbour’s home, and left the quiet street covered in debris.
Sigfrido Ranucci under police protection since 2021
Ranucci, who hosts Report, one of Italy’s most respected investigative journalism programmes on Rai, said he had faced an “endless list of threats” in recent years. “Last night marked a worrying escalation,” he told reporters. “It happened right in front of my home, where bullets were found last year.”
The veteran journalist, 64, has been under police protection since 2021 following threats linked to his investigations into organised crime and political corruption, including exposés on the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta mafia. Report is uncompromising in its coverage of crime, power, and public accountability. Ranucci has previously been sued by several politicians over reports alleging mafia ties.
Italian and EU politicians condemn attack
In response to the bombing, Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced Ranucci’s security detail would be upgraded to the highest level. This includes the use of armoured vehicles and additional officers. Anti-mafia prosecutors in Rome are leading the investigation. They are examining whether the attack was carried out using “mafia-style methods.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident, expressing “full solidarity with Sigfrido Ranucci” and calling the attack “a serious act of intimidation.” She reaffirmed that “freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend.” President Sergio Mattarella also issued a statement of solidarity, describing the bombing as “an unacceptable assault on the freedom of the press.”
The European Union joined in denouncing the attack. “Intimidation and harassment against journalists have no place in Europe,” said EU Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert, adding that journalists “must be able to carry out their essential work safely, free from threats and attacks.” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also voiced her support, writing on X that “freedom of the press is the heart of democracy — Europe will never take a step back.”
Media freedom under attack
The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists in Italy. Recently, the media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranked the country 49th in the world — its lowest position to date. Advocacy groups including ARTICLE 19 have warned of growing hostility toward investigative reporters. They cite legal harassment, political pressure, and threats from organised crime.
For many observers, the bombing marks a dangerous turning point. “This is not just an attack on one journalist,” said one media analyst. “It’s an attack on the right of the public to know.”
As investigators continue their work, Ranucci has expressed confidence in the authorities. “The State has always stood by me,” he said, “and I trust that it will get to the bottom of this.”
