The mayor of Ventimiglia, Flavio Di Muro, has promised stronger security measures after a violent gunfight broke out near a migrant camp on the Roya riverbank. The incident happened late on Saturday, September 6, and left two Tunisian men injured, including an 18-year-old who remains in serious condition. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting and the individuals involved.
The shooting occurred in Via Tenda, an area close to the migrant encampment that has long raised concerns for residents. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire during the night, and emergency services rushed to the scene. The 18-year-old was hit in the thigh, causing a dangerous vascular injury. He was initially taken to Sanremo hospital in a critical condition, before being transferred to the specialized Santa Corona facility in Pietra Ligure for urgent treatment. Doctors said he also suffered from hypothermia because the attack happened during the night. The other victim, a 30-year-old man, sustained lighter injuries after being grazed by a bullet in his leg and foot. He was hospitalized under “code yellow,” which means his condition is not life-threatening.
Mayor Di Muro, a member of the League Party, condemned the violence and said his administration would continue to work to protect the city. He stressed that the safety of the Gianchette neighborhood must be guaranteed and that violent acts like this cannot be ignored. He also rejected suggestions that the solution would be opening a new hosting center for migrants, saying that people who carry weapons should not be admitted into such facilities but instead arrested and expelled from Italy.
The mayor explained that Ventimiglia has already taken strong steps to maintain order. He reminded citizens that he signed measures banning illegal migrant encampments and street gatherings, along with a law against the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain areas. He added that the city has also installed new surveillance cameras, which were not functioning in the past, and these will now help investigators in their inquiry.
After the incident, Di Muro held talks with Antonio Giaccari, the Prefect of Imperia. He said the priority was not just to dismantle illegal camps but also to ensure that such situations do not reappear soon after. He thanked the police and security forces for their work and promised that the city will continue to act decisively to protect residents and restore peace in areas affected by migrant tensions.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in Ventimiglia, a border city near France that has become a crossing point for migrants hoping to move further into Europe. The city has faced repeated disputes over illegal camps, security, and integration, and this latest violence has renewed calls for stronger measures to maintain order while ensuring the safety of residents and migrants alike.