Protests Erupt in Milan Against 2026 Winter Olympics, Police Deploy Tear Gas
Violent clashes occurred on Saturday in Milan as Italian police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters opposing the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
The demonstrations focused on calls to halt the negative environmental impacts of the Games and expressed discontent over the inclusion of American security personnel in the security detail responsible for protecting officials during the event.
Initially peaceful protests, attended by thousands of locals, escalated as demonstrators attempted to reach nearby highways, including the ice hockey arena in Santa Giulia.
Despite the use of tear gas by authorities, smaller groups continued to protest, throwing smoke bombs and fireworks from bridges near Olympic venues.
The earlier peaceful demonstration featured participants carrying signs criticizing the environmental consequences of the Games and the presence of U.S. security forces in Italy, with many families and students showing support for the cause.
During the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Milan-Cortina, U.S. Congressman J.D. Vance faced sharp criticism, being met with boos from the crowd when he appeared on the big screen alongside his wife at the San Siro Stadium.
In contrast, athletes received a warm welcome, with most teams, particularly the Ukrainian team, being applauded by the Italian audience.
Notably, Vance arrived in Milan on Thursday, where he attended a women’s hockey game and held discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The protests also involved hundreds of students opposing the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials as part of the security team, sparking significant controversy in the city.
Meanwhile, the Israeli team faced a chorus of boos, while the Ukrainian team was enthusiastically received, reflecting the political and social polarization in the country fueled by growing protests against the involvement of American security forces in this global event.
Will these protests mark the beginning of greater dissent as the Winter Olympics proceed in Milan?
The coming days may reveal more about the evolution of this conflict between demonstrators and the Italian government.
