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La Spezia School Killing Triggers Inspections as Prosecutors Weigh Premeditation

Authorities signal a tougher response, from a premeditation review to targeted limits on knives and youth gangs.

Overview

  • Zouhair Atif confessed during police questioning, remains jailed in La Spezia, and told investigators he brought a kitchen knife to school as prosecutors consider adding premeditation.
  • The attacker’s underage girlfriend confirmed jealousy over childhood photos as the motive in statements to police and on Instagram, and she said she never defended him in court.
  • Education minister Giuseppe Valditara ordered inspectors to the Einaudi‑Chiodo institute and, after a security meeting in La Spezia, said metal detectors should be used only where concrete risks are proven.
  • Relatives of Abanoub Youssef demanded an immediate law to protect students after meeting Valditara, and the city will declare a day of mourning on the date of the funeral.
  • Investigators are reviewing student chats and witness accounts of prior threats and a reported remark about wanting to know what killing feels like, while Atif’s father apologized and said the knife was not taken from their home.