Police Use Water Cannons, Tear Gas as Milan Winter Olympics Protests Turn Violent near Santagiulia Arena
Thousands marched through Milan’s Corvetto on Feb. 7, 2026, protesting the environmental, economic and social costs of the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics; clashes near the Santagiulia Arena prompted police to use water cannons and tear gas.
- Large peaceful march organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, with most demonstrators nonviolent.
- Violent splinter group (roughly 100 people) threw objects, set off smoke bombs and fireworks; police made at least five arrests.
- Police response included water cannons and tear gas to clear areas near the Santagiulia Arena and Olympic Village.
- Travel alert from security firms advised avoiding demonstrations and rerouting; disruption risk for athletes and visitors.
Clashes near Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
The demonstration began as a large, mostly peaceful march through Corvetto led by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, with chants and banners denouncing what organizers called an “unsustainable” Winter Games that diverts funds from public services. Video and reporting show most demonstrators remained peaceful for hours. Sources and reporting are documented by Euronews and published footage.
Tensions rose when a smaller group separated and moved toward the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Reports and footage indicate roughly 100 people in the splinter group began throwing objects at police and setting off fireworks and smoke devices. Officers advanced, retreated, then used water cannons and tear gas to clear the area; at least five people were detained. See video coverage from Euronews video and footage posted online (YouTube footage).
Security and travel disruption warning
Global Guardian issued a travel alert warning of heightened security and likely disruptions in the area for the coming hours, advising travelers to reroute and avoid demonstrations. The advisory noted an increased security presence and potential delays near the Olympic Village and adjacent venues (Euronews).
Separate incident near the Olympic Village
About half a mile (~800 meters) from the Olympic Village, masked protesters were filmed setting off smoke bombs and firecrackers on a bridge overlooking a construction site near where roughly 1,500 athletes are being sheltered for the Games. Video captured rapid law enforcement movement toward the area (Euronews video; YouTube footage).
Why protesters say the Games are “unsustainable”
Organizers framed the action as opposition to large-scale public spending on athletic infrastructure they say will not serve local needs after the Games. Demonstrators highlighted:
- Environmental harm from construction and development.
- Rising housing costs and local displacement tied to a post‑2016 property boom.
- Construction delays and reported issues at the Santagiulia Arena — including concerns about rink size and long‑term community use.
Targeting of U.S. law enforcement presence
Protesters also criticized the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Italy. Video shows chants and banners directed at ICE, highlighting how international security partnerships can become flash points during major global events (YouTube footage).
Santagiulia venue under scrutiny
The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is a newly built facility scheduled to host Olympic ice hockey competitions. Local coverage and protest statements pointed to construction delays and questions about the rink’s dimensions and long‑term usability, feeding into the broader narrative that the Games prioritize spectacle over neighborhood benefit (Euronews).
Investigative questions raised
The clashes prompt immediate practical questions for organizers, local officials and foreign partners:
- How prepared are city authorities to protect athletes and the public while preserving the right to protest?
- Were security plans adequate to isolate violent splinter groups without escalating confrontations?
- Will Santagiulia meet international standards and serve community needs after the Games, or risk becoming underused?
- How will U.S. security personnel (including ICE) be managed to avoid inflaming protests while protecting U.S. citizens?
Sources and video evidence
Reporting and footage of Saturday’s events come from written and video coverage and online footage. See original coverage and video here:
- Euronews article
- Euronews video report
- Video footage posted online (YouTube)
- Euronews (alternate URL as published)
Implications for Utah, United States
Economic impact: Utah stakeholders should note the central concern — the long‑term value of Olympic spending. While events can boost hotels and tourism, they also carry risks: unexpected costs, venues hard to repurpose, and pressure on housing markets. Utah officials should insist on clear legacy plans, binding reuse commitments, and strict cost controls.
Political consequences: For conservative audiences, the Milan clashes emphasize the need for robust law‑and‑order planning and clear rules for international security partnerships. The protests targeting U.S. agencies, including ICE, underline how overseas deployments can become lightning rods; Utah lawmakers should seek clarity on missions and oversight.
Social effects: Large events can strain services and worsen housing pressures. Milan protesters argued the Games helped push up rents and redirected public funds from communities. Utah cities considering bids should tie Olympic spending to affordable housing and community programs from the start.
Cultural relevance: Utah values of stewardship and fiscal prudence suggest hosting conversations about transparent budgets, rigorous oversight, and respect for public safety when considering major events.
Practical applications: Event organizers, travel companies and families should heed travel advisories and register with the U.S. State Department. Global Guardian’s advisory in Milan urged avoiding protests and bypassing certain routes; Utah travelers and delegations should plan contingencies for sudden security issues that affect bookings and movements (Euronews).
Reporting notes
This article draws on reporting and video from Euronews and published footage of the events in Milan on Feb. 7, 2026. See the full reports and video linked above for original coverage and on‑the‑ground video that documented both the large peaceful march and the violent actions by a smaller group.
“Unsustainable” — the protesters’ repeated charge against the Games, used by organizers to summarize concerns about environment, housing and long‑term benefit.
