An American tourist was assaulted and injured during a violent robbery attempt in Florence on the morning of Friday, July 18. The incident took place in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a central square near the Cascine park and not far from the main train station, an area frequented by both locals and visitors.
The victim, a 21-year-old woman traveling with a group of fellow Americans, was attacked while boarding a tour bus. According to police reports, a 30-year-old man of Malian origin approached the group and suddenly targeted the young woman, attempting to snatch her bag and phone. The man punched her multiple times and dragged her to the ground in an effort to steal her belongings.
The attack caused panic among nearby tourists and passersby. Thanks to a timely police response—officers were already patrolling the area following a previous alert—the suspect was quickly apprehended before he could flee the scene.
The woman sustained a head injury and was taken to a local hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a mild cranial trauma. She was later discharged with a three-day recovery prognosis.
The suspect, who has a criminal record, was arrested and taken to Sollicciano prison. He is currently awaiting a judicial hearing for the confirmation of precautionary detention.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto has recently been repurposed by the local administration as a temporary hub for tourist buses, serving as a pickup and drop-off point for guided tours. The move follows the closure of the traditional bus area along Lungarno del Tempio, currently undergoing major construction works for the expansion of Florence’s tramway system.
In the long term, the city is considering making Piazza Vittorio Veneto the permanent arrival and departure hub for tourist coaches. Plans under discussion include the creation of dedicated “first welcome” facilities for tourists in the surrounding area, which is known to locals for having once hosted the popular Meccanò nightclub.
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