Rome on High Alert as Protests Threaten Luxury Stores

Rome is on high alert Saturday amid fears of violence during protests, with thousands of police deployed and luxury stores like Prada, Gucci, and Dior boarded up in the city center. An anti-militarist march is scheduled for 3 p.m., while the Movimento 17 ottobre may announce new protest sites. Authorities are monitoring potential counter-mobilizations, including from football ultras who might act as vigilantes to protect shops from looters, following urban guerrilla incidents in Milan and other cities last weekend. Security is tight around Piazza del Popolo and the Tridente area, with drones and helicopters overhead. The US Embassy issued a warning to citizens to avoid protest areas, as police also prepare for two additional marches on Sunday. The Movimento 17 ottobre canceled its planned gathering at Circo Massimo, reserving the right to announce three new starting points today.