ROME, April 28 (RIA Novosti) – Two Italian police officers were wounded after a gunman opened fire outside the prime minister’s office in Rome as the new government of Enrico Letta was being sworn in at the nearby president’s palace, RAI state television reported on Sunday.
The man who fired from six to eight gunshots at police officers guarding the governmental palace located a kilometer away from the presidential palace was wounded and arrested at the scene of the shooting. He was reportedly wearing a suit and a tie.
One of the police officers was wounded in the neck and the other was lightly injured in the leg. Their condition is not life-threatening, the local media reported, referring to health officials.
A pregnant woman was also injured when she was walking in the center with her husband and son, Ansa news agency reported adding that she has been taken to a Rome hospital.
The area around the governmental palace has been cordoned off and an investigation is underway.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and members of the new government have been informed about the incident.
The shooter, identified as 46-year-old Luigi Preiti, apparently suffers from psychiatric disorders, initial media reports said, referring to police sources.
Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said Preiti showed signs of wanting to commit suicide after the shooting. The attacker reportedly shouted “Shoot me” at police before being tackled to the ground.
Updated at 21.05 with details.
