Death Threats Target Sempio and Lawyer in Italy: “I’ll Kill You with My Rifle”
Turin, Italy, May 29, 2025 – A chilling wave of death threats targeting a figure known as “Sempio” and their lawyer, referred to as “Care,” has sparked alarm in Piedmont, Italy, with one menacing message explicitly stating, “I’ll kill you both with my shotgun.” The threats, reported via a post on X by @fanpage, include a photo and were detailed in an article by Fanpage.it, highlighting the growing concern over violent rhetoric in the region.
Details of the Threats
According to the X post, the threats were directed at Sempio, whose full identity remains unclear, and their legal representative, identified only as “Care.” The menacing message, accompanied by an image, explicitly threatened to kill both individuals with a shotgun, raising fears of targeted violence. While specific details about the motive or context are limited, the threats appear to be linked to a contentious issue, possibly related to legal or public disputes in Piedmont, where recent environmental concerns, such as PFAS contamination, have heightened local tensions.
Under Italian law, death threats are classified as “grave threats” under Article 612 of the Penal Code, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison if no conditions (e.g., demands for money) are attached, or up to seven years if conditions are involved. If the threat involves a firearm, as in this case, penalties may escalate due to the perceived immediacy and severity. The inclusion of a photo could further elevate the charge, as it demonstrates intent to intimidate.
Legal and Community Response
Victims of such threats in Italy have several legal remedies. They can file a formal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, prompting an investigation by law enforcement agencies like the Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri. If probable cause is established, an arrest warrant may be issued. For immediate protection, Sempio and Care could seek a Barangay Protection Order (BPO) from local authorities or a Temporary/Permanent Protection Order (TPO/PPO) from a Regional Trial Court, similar to measures used in domestic violence cases but applicable to grave threats.
The emotional toll of such threats is recognized under Italian law, allowing victims to pursue civil suits for moral damages due to psychological distress. Community response in Piedmont, already strained by issues like PFAS pollution linked to Solvay’s Spinetta Marengo plant, may amplify calls for accountability, mirroring grassroots movements like Veneto’s “No PFAS Moms.”
Broader Context of Threats
The incident reflects a global rise in violent rhetoric, as seen in cases like the 2023 threats against U.S. election officials or the 2011 case of Vincent McCrudden, who threatened 47 U.S. regulators with death, including specific threats like “I am coming after him” against a CFTC official. In the U.S., such threats carry federal penalties of up to five years per count under 18 U.S.C. § 875. In Italy, the legal framework is similarly stringent, but enforcement depends on swift reporting and evidence collection.
Posts on X, such as @fanpage’s, underscore public concern, with users urging authorities to act quickly. However, without further details on Sempio and Care’s case, it’s unclear if the threats are tied to a specific legal battle, environmental activism, or personal conflict. The mention of a shotgun and a photo suggests a targeted, credible threat, necessitating urgent investigation.
Next Steps and Safety Measures
Sempio and Care are advised to:
- Contact Authorities: Immediately report the threats to the Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri, providing the threatening message and photo as evidence.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Engage a criminal defense or victim’s rights lawyer to navigate the complaint process and secure protective orders.
- Enhance Personal Security: Avoid public exposure and consider private security measures until the threat is neutralized.
- Monitor Social Media: Preserve any further threatening communications for evidence, as digital platforms are often used to amplify intimidation.
The case underscores the need for robust legal protections against violent threats, especially in regions like Piedmont facing heightened social and environmental tensions. For updates, monitor Fanpage.it or local news outlets, and follow ARPA Piemonte for related environmental disputes that may contextualize the threats.