A disturbing video showing the moment a 22-year-old 2nd generation immigrant from Gabon attacks a 55-year-old man with a 21cm knife outside a bar in Milan, while wearing a balaclava that conceals his face, has been widely shared online.

The shocking act of violence, which has stunned Italy, took place in Milan, where the 22-year-old is alleged to have stabbed a man he did not know around 20 times inside a bar before reportedly telling police after his arrest: “I enjoyed it. Once I’m out, I’ll do it again.”

Lamin Saidili, 22, was arrested last Saturday following the attack on the 55-year-old man, whom, according to the prosecution, he repeatedly stabbed without any prior confrontation.

Milan prosecutor Elio Ramondini has asked the investigating judge to validate the arrest on a charge of attempted murder, arguing that there is a risk both of the suspect absconding and of him committing a similar offence again.

Attack Carried Out with Face Covered and a 21cm Knife

According to the prosecution’s investigation, Saidili, who was born in Conegliano Veneto, in the Province of Treviso, entered the bar wearing a black balaclava and, without saying a word, approached the victim from behind.

He then allegedly attacked him with a knife measuring 21cm in total length, inflicting around 20 stab wounds to the victim’s head, neck, chest and abdomen.

The 22-year-old is being held at San Vittore Prison and is expected to appear before investigating judge Luigi Iannelli.

55-Year-Old Out of Danger Following Surgery

The victim, identified as 55-year-old Gerardo P., was having breakfast with his father at the bar when the attack took place.

He was taken to Milan’s Niguarda Hospital, where he underwent a series of surgical procedures.

Although his injuries—primarily to the abdomen and chest—were serious, doctors said they were not particularly deep. The 55-year-old remains in the post-operative intensive care unit, but his condition is improving and he is not expected to suffer any long-term consequences.

Prosecutor: ‘He Planned to Kill an Easy Target’

Prosecutors have charged the 22-year-old with attempted murder with aggravating circumstances, citing premeditation and a trivial motive.

According to the prosecution’s reconstruction of events, investigators believe the suspect had gone out into the street intending to “cause the death” of the first person he considered an easy target.

The request to validate the arrest states that he had concealed his facial features and was carrying a knife with a double-edged blade.

As for the motive, prosecutors cite the statement he is alleged to have made after his arrest: “I enjoyed it. Once I’m out, I’ll do it again.”

Salvini: ‘He Should Never Be Released from Prison’

The case prompted a response from Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and League leader, Matteo Salvini.

“Shocking words. He enjoyed it and would do it again? Then he should never be released from prison,” Salvini wrote in a social media post, commenting on the remarks the 22-year-old is alleged to have made to police following his arrest.