Modena, El Koudri from prison: 'I knew I would die that day'

The events in Modena have sent shockwaves through Italy, leaving seven people injured, four critically, after a car attack followed by stabbings. The perpetrator, Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, is now in isolation, facing charges of attempted mass murder and aggravated injury. His initial statements to his lawyer reveal a disturbing disconnect from reality, with El Koudri claiming he thought he would die that day and expressing surprise at the severity of the victims' injuries, particularly a woman who lost her legs.

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I went out because that day I thought I would die. I didn't want to hurt anyone.

While the incident initially sparked fears of a terrorist attack, the focus is increasingly shifting towards El Koudri's mental state. His lawyer, Fausto Giannelli, has highlighted El Koudri's history of mental health issues, including treatment at a mental health center between 2022 and 2024, where he reportedly felt persecuted. Giannelli plans to request a psychiatric evaluation, emphasizing his client's apparent confusion and lack of lucidity.

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What a terrible thing.

Compounding the mental health concerns are El Koudri's struggles with unemployment. Despite a strong academic record, including a degree in Economics, he had a history of short-term jobs and was unable to secure stable employment. Emails sent in 2021 to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia reveal his desperation and frustration, with increasingly aggressive language directed at the institution, followed by apologies. These emails, which led to a police report at the time, are being examined for any potential links to his actions, though the primary explanation appears to be mental distress.

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He doesn't seem lucid. Apathetic at times, surprised when he remembers what happened. Absolutely unaware.

From an Italian perspective, as reported by ANSA, this tragedy underscores the complex interplay between mental health, social integration, and individual crises. The initial assumption of terrorism, common in the current global climate, is giving way to a more nuanced understanding of a personal tragedy fueled by psychological distress. The focus on El Koudri's mental state and his past struggles serves as a somber reminder of the need for robust mental healthcare support systems and the devastating consequences when individuals fall through the cracks. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly grapple with these factors as they seek to understand the motives behind this horrific act.

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He felt persecuted.