Milan attacker: 'I wanted to have fun, I'll do it again when I get out'

A 22-year-old man, identified as Lamin Saidlly, is facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly attacking a stranger with a knife in Milan. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the suspect, reportedly wearing a balaclava and carrying a double-edged knife, approached Gerardo P., also known as Gerry, outside a bar on Via Capecelatro. Without uttering a word, Saidlly allegedly inflicted around twenty stab wounds before being subdued by the victim's 78-year-old father and other patrons.

According to reports, as police officers arrived to apprehend him, Saidlly made chilling remarks. "I had fun, and I'll do it again as soon as I get out," he allegedly stated, as recounted from surveillance footage and witness accounts. This statement, along with the premeditated nature of the attack, evidenced by the disguise and the weapon, forms the basis of the charges, which include aggravated attempted murder due to premeditation and frivolous motives.

Investigators are working to understand the suspect's motives and background. Saidlly, who reportedly arrived in Milan from London a few days prior, is being examined for potential mental health issues. Authorities are also exploring whether he might have been influenced by others. The victim, Gerry, who had no prior connection to the attacker, sustained severe injuries to his head, neck, chest, and abdomen. He underwent surgery and is reported to be out of mortal danger, with his condition slowly improving.

The attack has drawn strong reactions, including from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who commented on social media, "Hallucinatory words. He had fun and would do it again? Then he should never leave prison!" Police are collaborating with British authorities to gather more information about Saidlly's history and whereabouts prior to his arrival in Milan. The suspect is scheduled to be interrogated by a judge, who will decide on his pre-trial detention.