Schlein says Meloni must clarify New Year's gunshot incident

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 2 - Centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD) Secretary Elly Schlein on Monday called for Premier Giorgia Meloni to "clarify immediately" in relation to the incident at a New Year's Eve party attended by FDI Justice Undersecretary Andrea Delmastro during which a shot fired accidentally from a gun owned by FDI lawmaker Emanuele Pozzolo, who had dropped by, injured the son-in-law of a member of Delmastro's security detail.
    "These bunglers are a danger to the security of those around them, let alone to national security," said Schlein.
    "Giorgia Meloni must clarify immediately what measures she intends to take against Brothers of Italy MP Pozzolo, who goes to parties carrying a loaded gun in his pocket that ends up injuring a person," she added.
    Pozzolo, 38, has confirmed that the gun was his but denies firing the shot that injured the 31-year-old in the leg.
    The incident took place at Rosazza, a small town in Piemonte where Delmastro's sister Francesca is mayor.
    In a statement issued on Monday evening FdI claimed the incident had no "political relevance".
    "It is a matter of chronicle into which the competent authorities will carry out the necessary investigations to ascertain responsibility," said the statement.
    "Should any irregular or inappropriate behaviour on Pozzolo's part emerge, appropriate action will also be taken by the party," it continued.
    "The attempt to turn what happened into a political issue in order to attack Brothers of Italy is absurd," concluded the statement.
    Photo: FdI lawmaker Emanuele Pozzolo (ANSA).