Berlin Christmas market attack suspect Anis Amri shot dead in Milan gunfight
Police in Milan have shot and killed Anis Amri, the Tunisian man believed to have carried out the deadly truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin on Monday, Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Friday morning. "The person who was killed, there is no doubt that he is Anis Amri," Minniti said, confirming news first reported by the Italian magazine Panorama and then Reuters. "He was the most wanted man in Europe and we immediately identified him and neutralized him. This means our security is working really well." Amri, whose fingerprints and identity papers were found in the cab of the 18-wheeler, was killed in a gunfight after a routine stop by police; one officer was wounded. Police reportedly confirmed Amri's identity through fingerprints.
Germany has not been able to independently confirm Amri's death, but Interior Ministry spokesman Tobias Plate said "there are growing signs that this is actually the person (wanted in the attack). Should this be proved true, the ministry is relieved that this person no longer poses a danger." Germany's Foreign Ministry said it is "grateful to the Italian authorities for the very close cooperation based on trust," and a spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said German officials are waiting for written confirmation from Rome.
Amri arrived in Italy from Tunisia by boat in 2011, then spent three and a half years in Sicilian prisons for making threats and starting a fire at a refugee camp. Italian officials say he arrived in Milan about 1 a.m. on Friday after traveling through France and Turin. You can learn more in the Associated Press report below.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
(This article has been updated throughout.)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why are people microdosing Ozempic?
In The Spotlight Tiny doses of the weight-loss drug can sidestep its unpleasant side effects, say influencers. But is customising the dose a good idea?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Five festive cocktails for Christmas 2024
The Week Recommends Serve seasonal libations for an extra special gathering
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Octopuses could be the next big species after humans
UNDER THE RADAR What has eight arms, a beaked mouth, and is poised to take over the planet when we're all gone?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published