Giorgia Meloni traveled to Palermo to chair the provincial committee for public order and security, in conjunction with a new operation against the so-called "kalashnikov gang." The operation led to the detention of 22 individuals, according to the news agency ANSA and Il Giornale, while Il Fatto Quotidiano reported 15 arrests. The detainees are suspected of extortion, drug trafficking, and involvement in shooting and intimidation incidents.

Meloni stated that extraordinary territory control operations would be launched in Palermo, starting with the highest-risk neighborhoods such as Zen. She indicated that these operations could involve not only police forces but also the Army, through joint operations. She added that, if necessary, current regulations under the "Strade sicure" framework could also be modified.

The Prime Minister referred to recent events in several areas of the city, particularly in the northwestern outskirts and coastal municipalities from Isola delle Femmine to Capaci and Carini, where gunfire, intimidation of business owners, and arson incidents have been reported. The investigation was coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate led by prosecutor De Lucia, with charges including extortion and possession of weapons of war aggravated by mafia methods.

The visit took on symbolic significance, occurring near the anniversaries of the Capaci massacre of May 23, 1992, and the Via D'Amelio bombing, in which magistrate Paolo Borsellino and five escort officers were killed. Meloni paid tribute at the memorial dedicated to Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, and the escort members along the A29 highway.

Regarding resources, Meloni announced that Minister of Interior Piantedosi has assigned 90 additional officers for territory control, supplementing the 850 already assigned to the area since 2025. A further 6 million euros have been allocated for urban security projects and territory control enhancement, adding to the 9 million euros already assigned to Palermo and the municipalities of the metropolitan area.

The Prime Minister's message was that the state is present and intends to act against those responsible for the violence, ensuring support for citizens and businesses in the area.