Winter Olympics: Riots and Protests Erupt in Italy Just One Day After Opening Events
Experience the tension as Italy witnesses unrest, with protests unfolding just a day after the Winter Olympics’ dazzling commencement.
Milan (AP) — Just a day after the Winter Olympics began, trouble broke out near a key venue. Italian police used tear gas and a water cannon to control dozens of protesters. They threw firecrackers and attempted to reach a highway near the arena.
Thousands had marched peacefully before, criticizing the Winter Olympics and their impact. They were concerned about the Games’ environmental impact and the U.S. security presence. This was covered in a report on the Milan protest.
The timing was tense because U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in Milan. He and his family visited Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in the city center, away from the trouble.
Protesters also targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A report from Milan noted ICE agents were not on the streets.
This is important because Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) often helps with event security. But there was no sign that Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) was coming to Italy.
Winter Olympics Key Takeaways
- Italian police used tear gas and a water cannon after firecrackers were thrown near a Winter Olympics venue.
- The confrontation followed a mostly peaceful march by thousands during the winter Olympics weekend.
- Protesters cited environmental concerns tied to the Olympic Games and related construction.
- Some demonstrators targeted ICE, though officials said ICE agents were not operating on the streets.
- HSI is commonly associated with overseas security support, while there was no indication that ERO officers were headed to Italy.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in Milan for the opening ceremony as the head of the U.S. delegation.
What Happened Near the Milan Winter Olympics Venue: Tear Gas, Water Cannon, and a Highway Clash
Tension rose on Milan’s outskirts near the Winter Olympics venue. A march over the Games’ footprint ended in a street clash. This moment hit locals hard, occurring near the arenas celebrating winter sports and the quest for gold.
Police response and flashpoint details near Santagiulia ice hockey rink
Police used tear gas and a water cannon after protesters tried to reach a highway. The highway leads to the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink. Some threw firecrackers, and officers held their ground as the crowd pushed against barriers.
ABC News covered the confrontation, including where it happened and how it escalated. You can read more here.
How the peaceful march shifted into a brief confrontation
The clash occurred at the end of a march attended by thousands. Families and students were among the crowd. A smaller group’s move toward the highway turned the peaceful march into a sharp confrontation.
The rally was about the costs and pace of building for winter sports. But the tone quickly changed when the group reached the highway.
Road closures, security fencing, and whether athlete transport was affected
Authorities blocked the road with police vans and a metal fence. They managed movement with short road closures. The march veered away from the secured route as officers tightened the perimeter.
- Security fencing and vans marked the boundary near the access road.
- Police presence stayed heavy along the route leading toward the event sites.
- Officials reported no indication that athletes’ transfers to events were affected.
Even with the disruption, the athletes’ schedule remained on track. This kept the focus on competition rather than traffic bottlenecks.
Earlier incidents near the Olympic Village housing about 1,500 athletes
Earlier that day, masked protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers from a bridge. The bridge is about 800 meters from the Olympic Village. The village houses about 1,500 athletes, raising security concerns near the Winter Olympics venue in Milan.
With so many athletes in one place and a gold medal at stake, officials handled the area with great care. Even as the larger public demonstration was mostly peaceful, the area remained a security priority.
Why Thousands Protested the Winter Olympics: Environmental Impact, Construction, and Sponsorship Concerns
In city streets and mountain towns, protests against the Winter Olympics have grown. They are now a national debate about who benefits and who pays. The main issue is the Winter Olympics’ environmental impact.
Some protesters cited past Olympics, such as PyeongChang, to show how promises can endure. Others criticized Olympic sponsors, saying their flashy ads hide the true costs of building.
Environmental objections tied to Olympic infrastructure, including the new bobsled run in Cortina
Many were upset about the construction in the Dolomites, with cranes everywhere in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The new bobsled run was a major target because it required cutting down trees and widening roads in sensitive areas.
There were also concerns that snowmaking could affect Alpine rivers and aquifers, potentially creating problems in dry winters. The environmental impact of the Winter Olympics has become a major issue, with organizers facing criticism.
Demonstration size and tone: families, students, drummers, and organized groups
About 10,000 people marched, and the mood was mostly peaceful. Families, students, and drummers added to the festive atmosphere.
The protest resembled a street festival, with signs and songs conveying strong messages. For many, it was about months of frustration, not just one issue.
Protester messaging: “Unsustainable Olympic Committee,” “Association of Proletariat Excursionists,” and signage themes
Messages ranged from clever to direct. The “Unsustainable Olympic Committee” banner said, “Let’s take back the cities and free the mountains.” The Association of Proletariat Excursionists used cardboard trees to show what was lost for the bobsled run.
- Handmade posters attacked “polluting sponsors,” linking the critique directly to Olympic Games sponsors associated with fossil fuels.
- One marcher carried an artificial tree with a sign that read “Infernal Olympics.”
- Other placards widened the target list to policing and foreign policy, signaling a coalition beyond sports.
Concerns over fast-tracked laws, private organizers, and taxpayer debt
Some argued the Games have rushed through approvals that should be more carefully reviewed. Guido Maffioli said officials used urgency to bypass rules, and taxpayers might end up with the debt if revenues don’t meet expectations.
These fears add to broader skepticism, fueled by past host cities such as PyeongChang. The debate over environmental impact is also about accountability, with private organizers and sponsors in the spotlight but taxpayers at risk.
Winter Olympics Conclusion
A peaceful march in Milan briefly turned tense. A small group set off firecrackers and tried to reach a highway near the Olympic sites. Police used tear gas and a water cannon, showing the pressure on Olympic Games security during the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Despite road closures, fencing, and a strong police presence, officials said athlete transport was not disrupted. This is key for athletes’ safety as crowds and checkpoints grow. Organizers must keep routes clear while winter sports continue on Milan’s outskirts.
Protest leaders pointed to two main reasons for the unrest. They criticized environmental damage from Olympic construction, such as work on Cortina’s bobsled run. They also expressed anger over reports that U.S. agents and ICE-linked units were involved in Olympic security during JD Vance’s visit, adding a political edge to the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The unrest means closer scrutiny in the coming days. This includes infrastructure plans, sponsor influence, and security tactics for the Olympic Games. Italy is hosting the world while facing loud local pushback. How officials balance athletes’ safety with public dissent will set the mood for every winter sports competition that follows.
