1977

September 29, Rome
Elena Pacinelli, 19 years old, student

On September 29, 1977, a white Mini Minor passes through Igea Square and from inside it, numerous gunshots are detonated, directed towards a group of boys stationed in the square.
Piazza Igea (today Piazza Walter Rossi), in the Triumphal district of Rome, was a meeting place for the militants of the left of northern Rome, thanks to the buildings occupied by the “Casa Rossa”, but, at the same time, it is geographically the crossroads between the areas of Balduina, Monte Mario and Vigna Clara, feudal districts of northern Rome on the far right, with inside some of the most active sections of the Italian Social Movement of the capital, from where raids often started against the places of aggregation of the Roman left.
Of those numerous shots, three hit 19-year-old Elena Pacinelli. The hospitalization highlights, in addition to the serious damage caused by the attack suffered, an incurable disease. Elena never recovers by dying after months of suffering.
The perpetrators of the attack will never be identified. Following the protest demonstrations the next day, Walter Rossi will be killed (see card).