An Italian investigative journalist narrowly escaped death after a bomb exploded outside his home near Rome, severely damaging his car and a neighbor’s property, The Guardian reported on Friday.
The victim, Sigfrido Ranucci, is the host of “Report,” a well-known investigative program broadcast on Italy’s public television network RAI.
Ranucci said the explosion occurred about 20 minutes after he returned home to Campo Ascolano, a seaside town near Rome, on the night of October 16, 2025.
The blast also damaged a car belonging to his daughter, but no one was injured, according to reports.
Anti-mafia police in Rome immediately launched an investigation.
Homemade Bomb Placed Outside Journalist’s Home
According to Italian media citing police sources, the device was homemade, possibly using fireworks materials, and had been placed between two flower pots outside Ranucci’s home.
Investigators believe it was manually ignited rather than detonated remotely.
Ranucci, who has lived under police protection for years due to ongoing threats, described hearing a “powerful explosion” that was strong enough to kill a passerby.
“There’s a long list of threats I’ve received over time and reported to prosecutors,” Ranucci said.
“But what happened last night is deeply alarming because it occurred right in front of my home — where bullets were found just last year.”
National Outrage and Political Reactions
Video footage shared by Report on social media shows twisted metal and shattered car windows following the explosion.
Political leaders across the spectrum have expressed solidarity with Ranucci, whose investigations have frequently targeted members of the government.
He has also criticized alleged political interference in RAI by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right administration, while some of her coalition members have filed lawsuits against “Report.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the bombing, calling it a “serious act of intimidation.”
“Freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend,” Meloni said.
Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, described the attack as a “strike against democracy and press freedom.”
“We cannot accept any intimidation of investigative journalism,” Schlein emphasized.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that Ranucci’s security detail will be increased to the maximum level.
