Florence robbery: two arrested over attack on American tourist

Two young men have been arrested in connection with the violent robbery of an American tourist in central Florence earlier this month, in a case that had already raised concern over safety in busy areas of the city.

According to Corriere Fiorentino, police officers from the Florence Flying Squad (Squadra Mobile, the investigative branch of the State Police) located the suspects in a makeshift dwelling in the Osmannoro area, an industrial zone on the outskirts of the city. The two, aged 22 and 23 and originally from Tunisia, are accused of carrying out the assault.

The investigation and arrest

Investigators said the suspects were identified following inquiries into the robbery, which took place on the night of 20 March in Via della Spada, a street near Piazza Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s main transport and tourist hubs.

During the arrest, police reportedly found clothing believed to have been worn during the attack, along with the victim’s mobile phone and additional electronic devices suspected to be linked to other thefts. 

The attack

The victim, a 22-year-old American visitor, was allegedly approached by the two men and attacked with a metal bar taken from a construction site. He was repeatedly struck on the head before being robbed of his wallet and phone.

Emergency services transported him to Careggi University Hospital, Florence’s main hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remains hospitalised in the neurosurgery department, according to the same source.

A central location

The assault took place in one of the most frequented areas of Florence, a few minutes’ walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and surrounded by hotels, restaurants and short-term rentals.

The case drew attention not only because of the level of violence involved, but also because it occurred in a part of the historic centre that is heavily used by both residents and visitors, including late at night.

Growing concern on social media

In recent days, the case has been widely discussed online, where posts describing similar episodes have circulated among residents and local groups.

One widely shared post described a night-time scene in Via della Scala, close to Santa Maria Novella, with a young woman on the ground, an attempted robbery, and people fleeing after bottles were reportedly used as weapons. The message argued that such incidents are not isolated and reflected a broader sense of insecurity among those who live and work in the area.

While individual posts are not verified accounts, they reflect a growing perception among some residents that safety conditions in parts of the city centre, particularly at night, may be deteriorating.

Authorities have not released broader data linked to this specific episode, but the investigation into the robbery is ongoing.

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