For the second time in just three days, the U.S. Embassy to Italy has alerted American citizens to a serious security threat, this time regarding an “armed individual” at large on the streets of Rome.
The State Department sent out an email to U.S. citizens on Friday, including Breitbart News, with the title “Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Armed Individual in Central Rome,” in which they urged Americans to steer clear of central Rome.
The Embassy told U.S. citizens that Italian police are reporting an armed individual who “may possibly be a patient of the hospital and emotionally disturbed.”
“We have confirmed that the individual has a rifle and has escaped the hospital. Italian police are currently conducting a man-hunt for the subject,” the message read.
On Wednesday, the Embassy issued another security alert to all Americans abroad, warning them to avoid locations that have been identified as potential targets for terrorist attacks, placing “St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Rome) at the top of the short list.”
Along with the Vatican, the State Department singled out the Milan Cathedral and La Scala opera house, as well as saying that certain venues “such as churches, synagogues, restaurants, theatres, and hotels” in both Rome and Milan are possible targets.
In Friday’s alert, U.S. authorities urged Americans to review “personal security plans,” to remain “aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.”
Citizens are to maintain “a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance personal security,” the alert stated.
Follow Thomas D. Williams on Twitter @tdwilliamsrome.