Rome Police Officer Under Investigation After Fireworks Scare Causes Horse Stampede Ahead of June 2nd Parade
Rome, May 31, 2026 – A 51-year-old Rome police officer is currently under investigation after admitting to igniting fireworks that led to a stampede of 35 horses, resulting in injuries to a policewoman and three soldiers, two of whom remain hospitalized. The incident occurred during a rehearsal for the upcoming June 2nd Republic Day parade at Caracalla on Friday night.
The officer, a married father of three with a passion for motorcycling and diving, was assigned logistical duties, driving a van transporting materials for municipal police platoons. However, his actions took a serious turn when he lit a battery of fireworks, causing panic among the horses preparing for the parade.
Investigation Launched as Officer Admits Responsibility
“I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would end this way. I was the one who lit the fireworks; it was supposed to be a jovial moment for our participation in the parade rehearsals,” the officer reportedly told Carabinieri investigators. He has been charged with various offenses, and the Carabinieri of the Rome Centro company have forwarded their report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident led to 15 horses sustaining contusions. The injured policewoman and three soldiers were among those directly affected, with two soldiers still receiving hospital care. The municipal police command has since replaced several colleagues suspected of having encouraged the officer’s actions, and they will not participate in the main parade at the Imperial Forums.
Internal and Judicial Inquiries Underway
The commander of Rome’s municipal police, Mario De Sclavis, has initiated an internal investigation parallel to the judicial inquiry. At least 10 officers have already been questioned as part of the internal probe. Prosecutors will determine the specific charges against the officer, while investigations will also focus on the involvement of his colleagues.
Witnesses, including municipal police officers and military personnel present at the rehearsal, have been questioned. Investigators are also analyzing videos that have gone viral on social media, showing both the moment the fireworks were ignited and the subsequent uncontrolled flight of the animals along Via Cristoforo Colombo.
The officer may be questioned again in the coming days, this time with legal representation. Officials responsible for the event on Friday night are also expected to be interviewed.
Concerns Over Public Safety and Animal Welfare
The incident has raised concerns about public safety and animal welfare during such events. The fireworks battery used was reportedly freely available, and a similar device that fortunately proved defective was also confiscated. The commander of the municipal police has vowed to hold all accountable, stating, “I will not make any discounts to anyone, neither to the agent with the lighter nor to the colleagues who incited him.”
The June 2nd Republic Day parade is a significant national event, and the disruption caused by this incident has prompted a thorough review of safety protocols. The city of Rome is now grappling with the aftermath, ensuring that such an incident does not recur in future public celebrations.
