Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was attacked during a rally in Milan today, leaving him with broken teeth, cuts to his lip, and a minor nose fracture. He’s now recovering in a hospital and is said to be doing well.

Massimo Tartaglia was arrested at the scene for allegedly carrying out the attack. He apparently used a souvenir from the city’s cathedral to inflict maximum damage. BBC News reports that Tartaglia has a history of mental issues.

Berlusconi, already 73-years-old, was helped to his vehicle by aides after the attack. He was taken to a local hospital for tests, but not before getting out of the car and demonstrating to his supporters that he was okay.

State TV has shown a video, somewhat blurry, of what appears to be the attacker’s hand coming close to Mr Berlusconi’s face while holding the model, then letting go of it at the last minute as it hits his face, the Associated Press reports.

One eyewitness described the souvenir as “probably made of marble or iron but, anyhow, of some heavy material”.

Another eyewitness said the attacker had thrown an “object made of iron” at the prime minister.

Berlusconi was reportedly signing autographs at the time of the attack. You can see the video here.

Question: How does a man with a history of mental issues get to come close enough to the Italian Prime Minister that he can inflict serious damage? Carrying and item that could clearly be used as a weapon? What is this place, the White House during an official state dinner?