Italy police fire tear gas, water cannon to break Winter Olympics protest

Italian police deployed tear gas and water cannons on Saturday, February 7, after protests against the Winter Olympics in Milan turned tense near one of the Games’ key venues.

The day began with a large, peaceful march through the city, as thousands gathered to voice concerns over the environmental and social impact of hosting the Winter Games. Families with young children, students, and activists walked together, holding signs, singing, and chanting against what organizers described as the economic cost and ecological damage linked to Olympic construction.

However, the mood shifted later in the evening when a smaller group of masked protesters broke away from the main crowd. Authorities said the group threw firecrackers and attempted to reach a highway close to the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink, prompting police to intervene.

Officers formed barricades and used tear gas and water cannons to stop the demonstrators from advancing. The confrontation was brief, and police were able to hold the line. By that time, most of the larger peaceful march had already dispersed, leaving only the smaller group involved in the clash.

Earlier, tensions had already been building after protesters set off smoke bombs and fireworks from a bridge overlooking a construction site located around 800 metres from the Olympic Village. The village is currently housing roughly 1,500 athletes, making security a priority for officials.

Police vans and temporary metal fencing were placed along roads leading toward the athletes’ village, while a heavy police presence monitored the protest route as it moved toward the Santagiulia venue.

Despite the disruption, there was no sign that the road closures or unrest affected the movement of athletes or the Olympic schedule, with events taking place on the outskirts of Milan.

The demonstration coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Milan, where he led the American delegation at the opening ceremony on Friday. Protesters also highlighted opposition to the presence of U.S. agents in Italy as part of their broader criticism.

The march was organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, a coalition of grassroots sports groups, environmental movements, civic activists, housing campaigners, unions, pro-Palestine networks and transfeminist collectives.

The unrest comes as Italian authorities separately investigate a series of incidents along rail lines in northern Italy, which officials fear could involve coordinated sabotage, adding further concern during the high-profile international event.