An attack at the Santa Rosa festival was foiled: two arrested.

An armed gang that could have fired into the crowd, at a time when 40,000 worshippers were present. Late yesterday afternoon, in Viterbo, two Turkish citizens were arrested a few meters from the churchyard of the Santa Rosa monastery for being in possession of automatic weapons. For this reason, last night's traditional transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa—the 30-meter-high canopy dedicated to the patron saint—was carried out partly with the city illuminated rather than unlit.

The alarm was raised after two Turkish men—aged 21 and 31—were arrested this afternoon, found in possession of automatic weapons while staying at a B&B a few meters from the churchyard of the Santa Rosa monastery. Investigations into a suspected terrorist attack were immediately launched, but no evidence has yet been found. Among the hypotheses are arms trafficking, as well as an attempted prison escape .

This is because the two arrested, already questioned by the prosecutor, may be linked to a Turkish mafia boss arrested in recent days at a B&B in Viterbo's historic center . "Congratulations to the police and Interior Minister Piantedosi for their prompt intervention that led to the arrest of two armed Turkish citizens in Viterbo, just hours before the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "A decisive operation that allowed us to safely celebrate 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."

"Well done to the mayor and the prefect for ensuring the safe transportation of the car of the city's patron saint, avoiding panic, allowing the many faithful and tourists who arrived to experience this extraordinary moment," commented Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. "I hope this episode serves as a warning against those evil masters who incite hatred by orchestrating campaigns of violence."

" It could have been a massacre, but the decisive intervention of the police thwarted the attack . Applause and enormous thanks to the women and men in uniform. There is no room for terrorism in Italy," added Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini. "Once again, our police forces demonstrate their efficiency and confirm their role as a security force for our citizens. My applause and gratitude go to Minister Piantedosi, the Chief of Police, and all the women and men in uniform involved in this operation," said Senate President Ignazio La Russa.

(Unioneonline)