Man arrested after driving through Vatican Gate

A man was arrested last night after driving through a Vatican Gateway, according to a statement from the Vatican Press Room.

After 8 p.m. local time, the man reportedly entered the Vatican Palace in his vehicle, where he was prevented from entering without authorization. The vehicle returned at a high speed and rammed through gates.

As the car veered through, a security guard fired a gun at the front tires of the car, hitting the fender.

Security guards closed the Gate of the Mint early Friday, which allows access to the back of St. Peter s Basilica, the Vatican gardens and Santa Marta.

The vehicle did arrive at the Courtyard of San Damaso, where the man exited the vehicle. He was then arrested by Vatican police.

The man was about 40 years old and was experiencing a serious state of psychophysical alteration, according to a doctor's assessment. He is being held in the barracks of the Vatican City Gendarmerie.