One of America’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested at the Vatican with three knives on him.
Moises Tejada was found in a bathroom in St. Peter’s Square, in the Vaticanduring the packed weekly general audience delivered by Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 10.
He had attracted the attention of the police, who followed and arrested him, because the square was crowded with pilgrims and tourists.
When the 54-year-old was arrested, police found three knives on him, each measuring 20cm (eight inches) long and one with a double blade.
Tejada is listed as one of the state’s most wanted fugitives new York.
The US state government said Tejada was convicted of kidnapping and robbery and was “classified as violent”.
According to the New York Office of Special Investigations’ most wanted list, Tejada “should be considered armed and dangerous” and never approached.
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Upon his arrest, Tejada told Italian police that he had arrived from the front line of the war between Ukraine and Russia – where he had been since 2022.
Tejada claimed he arrived in Italy, from kyiv via Moldova, 10 days ago.
Local police told Sky News that Tejada was a “violent man”.
It is unclear what his intentions were and whether he intended to attack the Pope or anyone else.
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Tejada is currently in prison in Rome, accused of illegally carrying weapons and resisting police.
Italian authorities are waiting to know if their American counterparts wish to extradite him.
