The cars of state-run RAI journalist Sigfrido Ranucci and his daughter were blown up overnight by a bomb placed outside his home in the town of Campo Ascolano, near Rome, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
The investigative journalism show “Report“, which Ranucci hosts on state television, said on the social network “X“ that the bomb had been placed under his car and would have killed anyone who passed by.
The explosion also damaged a neighboring house. “Report“ is an influential show that focuses on alleged crimes and corruption, and Ranucci already has security due to threats received.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedozzi said that because of the bombing, Ranucci's security would be even more tightened.
“I am in the car with a police escort right now and I will report what happened“, Ranucci told ANSA. “She (the daughter) parked her car and passed by 20 minutes“ before the explosion,“ he added.
“It seems to have been an improvised device, but now we need to see the nature of the explosive“, he added.
“With all the threats we are receiving, it will not be easy to trace where they are coming from.“ Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed "full solidarity with journalist Sigfrido Ranucci and the strongest condemnation of the serious act of intimidation to which he was subjected."
"Freedom and independence of information are fundamental values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend," she said in a statement. Rome's anti-mafia prosecutors have opened an investigation.