Overview
- On Saturday a man identified as Salim El Koudri drove into pedestrians in central Modena, injuring eight people, then exited the car armed with a knife and attacked an intervenor.
- A judge validated his arrest and placed him in custody, citing an intent to kill, a risk of flight and the danger of repeating similar crimes.
- Prosecutors have charged strage and aggravated injuries but so far declined to apply terrorism, hate‑crime or premeditation aggravations, a choice that affects how the case will be investigated and what support victims may receive.
- El Koudri gave police unlock codes for phones and computers but largely remained silent in court; investigators are analysing device data and social posts that include anti‑Christian messages and odd contacts such as inquiries to a NATO base.
- Defense lawyers have requested psychiatric assessment and the judge ordered a period of psychiatric observation, yet the court noted no current evidence the attack was caused by his diagnosed pathology; upcoming forensic results and the psychiatric report could change charges or legal strategy.