An investigation into possible weapons trafficking has been opened following the transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo, which occurred last night with the city illuminated, breaking from the tradition of holding the event with lights off. The alarm was raised after two Turkish nationals, found in possession of automatic weapons while staying at a bed and breakfast just meters from the monastery of Santa Rosa, were arrested on Saturday afternoon. Checks are underway regarding a potential suspected terrorist attack, though no corroborating evidence has yet been found.
“Congratulations to the Law Enforcement agencies and Interior Minister Piantedosi for the swift intervention that led to the arrest of two armed Turkish citizens in Viterbo, just hours before the festival of the Macchina di Santa Rosa,” stated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on social media. “A decisive operation,” she added, “which ensured the safe celebration of a unique event, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and representing a centuries-old tradition deeply felt by the people of Viterbo and many Italians.”
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