Overview
- Police and several hundred demonstrators clashed briefly as the 117-meter yacht Boardwalk arrived in Venice, with protesters attempting to approach the vessel guarded by masked officers.
- The yacht was escorted into the lagoon by police on speedboats and jetskis while masked police units sealed access on land near the main tourist sites.
- Protesters chanted against US policy in Iran and the Middle East and framed the visit as an ostentatious display tied to the ambassador's wealth and political links.
- Opposition deputies and local organizers criticized the repeated deployment of navy, coast guard and police for such stops and complained about the costs borne by Italian taxpayers.
- The Venice call on July 17 was part of Fertitta's coastal tour marking the US 250th anniversary, and the episode has renewed debate over the impact of high-profile wealthy visitors on a fragile tourist city.