Rome Student Attacks Teacher, Attempts Livestream

A 13-year-old student pepper-sprayed his teacher before stabbing her and attempting to livestream the attack at Giovanni Verga middle school in Rome. The 66-year-old teacher, Isabella Marsilio, was just one year away from retirement.

According to local media and news agency ANSA, the student wore a helmet with his mobile phone attached, resembling a GoPro, during the assault. It is unclear if he succeeded in broadcasting the incident on Telegram. A classmate intervened and tackled the student, police reported. The teen was arrested and taken to the police station with his parents.

Headteacher Wanda Giacomini described the suspect as "always a calm young man" with no prior behavioral issues. However, unconfirmed reports suggest the student had been browsing violent websites before the attack. Classmates claimed the motive was a failing grade in English, with the student blaming Ms. Marsilio.

Ms. Marsilio, though not in life-threatening condition, was left deeply distressed and shaken by the attack. In an interview with la Repubblica, she expressed concern for the student, stating, "I regret only now understanding the depth of his distress. I was afraid I was going to die." Mauro Caliste, president of the borough, noted her profound distress and inability to comprehend the event.

A teachers' union president, Attilio Fratta, called the incident part of an escalating crisis, stating, "Schools cannot be left alone" to handle violence involving weapons in classrooms and attacks against staff.

Education minister Giuseppe Valditara pointed to the incident as highlighting the need for social media bans for children under 15, citing the EU Commission's Kids Act as a positive step.