Attempted Ranucci, Lavitola admits to the Gip: "I am the one who sent it"

A former media executive and businessman, Valter Lavitola, has confessed to being the mastermind behind the October 2025 bombing outside the home of journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The explosive incident occurred in Pomezia, near Rome, and was initially suspected to have political motives. However, during a five-hour interrogation with the judge-investigator (gip) in the Rebibbia prison, Lavitola claimed he orchestrated the attack not to harm Ranucci but to increase his protection level. According to Lavitola's defense attorney, Sergio Cola, the act was intended to safeguard Ranucci from dangerous threats, leading to a doubling of his security detail from two to eight agents. Despite this explanation, prosecutors from the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Francesco Lo Voi, rejected the request for house arrest for Lavitola, maintaining that the attack aimed to boost Ranucci’s popularity and potentially support his political ambitions. The investigation into the bombing intensified after Lavitola’s arrest on August 10, following an order for preventive detention issued by Judge Iole Moricca. During the interrogation, Lavitola admitted to commissioning the attack, though he insisted it was done for Ranucci’s safety. His legal team argued that Lavitola had shown willingness to cooperate with investigators and that there was no risk of evidence contamination or flight. However, the prosecutors maintained their stance against granting him house arrest, citing concerns over the potential gravity of the crime and its implications. According to the indictment, Lavitola planned the attack to elevate Ranucci’s public profile, which could facilitate his entry into politics. Prosecutors noted that Lavitola had discussed with Ranucci the possibility of a political career, even suggesting a presidential bid within two years. This narrative contradicted Lavitola’s claim that the attack was solely for Ranucci’s protection. The court documents indicate that Lavitola commissioned a survey to gauge Ranucci’s popularity, further supporting the theory that the bombing was politically motivated. Ranucci’s lawyer, Roberto De Vita, expressed disbelief at Lavitola’s claims, stating they left him “shocked” and highlighted the absurdity of such an alleged motive. He pointed out that Ranucci had been under constant protection since 2021 due to credible death threats, making the need for additional security questionable. De Vita emphasized that while the credibility of Lavitola’s statements would be assessed, the initial shock stemmed from the perceived irrationality of the motive. Meanwhile, the investigation continues with the analysis of Lavitola’s mobile phone and computer, expected to take several weeks. Once completed, prosecutors might summon Ranucci for questioning as an informed party. Additionally, Lavitola’s associate, Gomes Clesio Tavares, who is believed to be in Africa, faces extradition proceedings. The case has drawn attention from political figures, including Vice Premier Matteo Salvini, who called for the suspension of Ranucci’s collaboration with RAI, the state broadcaster, citing the involvement in a “turbid affair.” The situation has sparked broader discussions about the intersection of media, politics, and personal relationships. Lavitola’s arrest and subsequent claims have raised questions about the nature of the relationship between the journalist and the businessman, particularly given the alleged political aspirations linked to the bombing. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on verifying the truth behind Lavitola’s statements and determining whether the attack indeed served a political purpose or was genuinely intended to protect Ranucci.