Violence broke out in Milan on Saturday as thousands of left-wing protesters gathered on the sidelines of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, clashing with police while promoting a range of political and social causes.
With international media focused on the Italian financial hub ahead of the Winter Games, multiple activist groups organized coordinated demonstrations throughout the city. According to Italy’s leading newspaper, Corriere della Sera, approximately 5,000 people participated in the protests.
The demonstrations brought together environmental activists, trade union groups, pro-LGBT organizations, and pro-Palestinian protesters. Several groups used the high-profile event to draw attention to their respective causes.
One group, responding to the exclusion of biologically male transgender athletes from women’s competitions, wore pink balaclavas and displayed a banner reading, “Binary is for trains. Go trans athletes.”
Environmental activists staged their own protest by carrying mock trees, criticizing what they described as the “unsustainable” use of wood in the construction of the Olympic bobsleigh track in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also joined the march, protesting the recent arrest of Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who has been accused of raising funds for Hamas.
Another group targeted the United States, displaying a banner that read “ICE out of Milan,” alleging the presence of American immigration officers at the Games. However, the claim was rejected by U.S. officials. USA Today reported that American Olympic security officials “unequivocally” denied that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were part of the delegation.
As evening approached, tensions escalated and clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Protesters were seen throwing rocks and bottles and firing fireworks toward officers.
Police responded with water cannons and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd. Authorities confirmed that at least six people were arrested during the unrest.
The violence follows another high-profile incident in Italy last week, when far-left activists were filmed assaulting a police officer during a demonstration in Turin.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the unrest, accusing participants of criminal behavior.
“These are not protesters: they are criminals,” Salvini said. “Anyone who attacks the police offends all Italians.”
He also pointed to recently introduced security measures designed to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to respond to violent demonstrations.
The Milan clashes highlight growing concerns among Italian officials about public order as the country prepares to host major international events. With the Winter Olympics approaching, authorities are expected to increase security and monitoring of activist groups seeking to use the Games as a political platform.
