Two cops shot as Italy’s govt sworn in

The shooting was broadcast live by the state broadcaster RAI,which had a television crew in the square in front of Palazzo Chigi,where the ministers were to go after the ceremony at the presidential palace.

What was supposed to be a day of celebration,marking the beginning of the new government,quickly turned into a national drama. The square in front of Palazzo Chigi was cordoned off. Inside the palace,the ceremony continued undisturbed.

The man believed to have shot the two officers was caught. Authorities identified him as Luigi Preiti,born in Calabria. and living in Piedmont.

One officer was wounded in the throat and the other in the leg,an official with the military police said. The wounds did not appear to be life threatening. Preiti was also shot,the official said. A woman,passing by,was also hit,but not seriously,according to reports.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said an investigation would be conducted but the incident appeared to be an “isolated gesture.”

Alfano said that the shooter,an unemployed 49-year-old man,had intended to commit suicide,but told officers that he was unable to do so because he had run out of bullets.

After the swearing in,Letta met with ministers in a first,scheduled,cabinet meeting,on Sunday afternoon. The new government will face a confidence vote in Parliament this week.