Hammer attacker sets airport check-in desk on fire in Italy

A man caused chaos at Milan's Malpensa Airport by igniting a fire at the check-in desk. The area was closed as the situation was managed around 10:30 a.m. Footage shared on social media showed flames and smoke, prompting bystanders to flee.

The assailant first attempted to burn a bin, then vandalized check-in desks with a hammer and attacked security personnel. He was arrested after the incident, which left one security officer injured.

Italian media is reporting that the man was not an airline passenger is from Mali and holds a subsidiary international protection permit valid until 2027.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and the airport stated operations would continue with potential delays.