Investigators at the scene of the case Photo: Screenshot from Italian media outlet TGCOM 24

A 30-year-old Chinese national identified as Liu Wenhan was reportedly critically injured after being shot by police during a gunfight in the Rogoredo district south of Milan, Italy on Sunday afternoon local time, after he allegedly attacked a security guard with a stick, seized the guard's handgun, and opened fire on responding special police units, according to local media reports.

According to Italy's ANSA news agency, the incident started at around 2:30 pm on Sunday when a private security guard was attacked by a man wielding a stick when walking to work along Via Caviglia, near Piazzale Corvetto. The assailant struck the guard and seized his service firearm before fleeing the scene. The guard immediately called Italy's emergency number 112, reporting that he had been robbed at gunpoint. Multiple police patrol cars were dispatched to the area.

At around 3:15 pm the suspect encountered an armored land cruiser belonging to the state police's special rapid-response unit on Via Cassinis near Piazza Mistral, further south and not far from Rogoredo railway station. Upon seeing the police vehicle, the suspect opened fire, discharging at least three rounds, which struck the armored body of the vehicle but did not injure any officers. Police returned fire, per ANSA.

Italian outlet fanpage.it reported that the suspect was identified as Liu Wenhan, a Chinese man, who fired between three and six shots at police while attempting to flee.

Liu was struck by police gunfire in the head and one arm. He was taken to Niguarda Hospital in Milan in extremely serious condition and remains under a guarded prognosis. The area has been sealed off for forensic examination, and the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office is collecting surveillance footage and questioning witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events, according to ANSA.

Sky TG24 reported that Liu did not have legal residency status in Italy and was already known to law enforcement, with multiple prior police checks and reports filed with the prosecutor's office. Authorities had intercepted him three times in the four days preceding the incident. 

On January 31, police took him to a psychiatric facility after he displayed signs of harassment, abnormal behavior, and repeatedly struck his own head while complaining of pain. He was released several hours later, according to TGCOM24.

The Global Times has confirmed with the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, which said it is aware of the situation and is currently verifying the relevant details. Further updates will be released to the public.

Meanwhile, several Chinese netizens noted that Liu's identity appears to match information from a missing-person post released on January 28 on Douyin, Chinese version of Tiktok, by an account named "Chaorenmama." The poster claimed to be Liu's wife, and described Liu had gone missing in Milan, Italy, and appealed to the local Chinese community to help locate him and guide him to the Chinese embassy for assistance in returning home.

In a follow-up video posted on February 1, the self-claimed Liu's wife said Liu traveled to Italy on October 1, 2023, to work. According to the post, he suffered a sudden mental breakdown on January 26, 2026, and was diagnosed with a mental illness. The post also said Liu had gone abroad to work due to debt and collapsed under intense psychological pressure, adding that his phone and money were stolen while he was working in Italy.

In the account's latest video, the self-claimed Liu's wife said she got from local news that Liu was the suspect involved in the Milan shooting. She claimed that breaking the law was wrong and that he should bear responsibility for his actions and the consequences.

TGCOM 24 reported that investigation is now underway, and Liu is on charges of aggravated robbery and attempted murder. Authorities are also seeking to reconstruct any possible clinical history in regard of his psychological disorders.

Global Times