US fugitive apprehended in Vatican with three knives | Current Events
Moises Tejada, one of the most wanted US fugitives, was apprehended in the Vatican with three knives in his possession.
He was discovered in a bathroom in St Peter’s Square, within the Vatican, during a crowded weekly general audience led by Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 10th.
Tejada drew the attention of the police who followed and detained him in the midst of pilgrims and tourists in the square.
Upon his arrest, police found three knives on him, one of which had a double blade and all measuring 20cm (eight inches) in length.
Tejada is on the most-wanted fugitives list in New York state.
The US state government revealed that Tejada has a criminal record for kidnapping and robbery and is classified as violent.
According to New York’s Office of Special Investigations most wanted list, Tejada is deemed “armed and dangerous” and should not be approached under any circumstances.
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Upon his arrest, Tejada informed Italian authorities that he had just arrived from the frontline in the Ukraine-Russia conflict where he had been since 2022.
Tejada claimed that he had arrived in Italy from Kiev via Moldova just ten days prior.
Local police informed Sky News that Tejada is considered a dangerous individual.
It remains unclear what his intentions were and whether he had plans to harm the Pope or anyone else.
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Tejada is currently in custody in Rome, facing charges of illegal possession of weapons and resisting arrest.
Italian authorities are awaiting a decision from their US counterparts regarding the potential extradition of Tejada.
