The shooting was reportedly started by a bankruptcy case defendant. According to media reports, the gunman has been arrested in Vimercate, 25 km from Milan, after fleeing the scene on a motor scooter. He was taken to a local police station.
The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. local time (9:00 GMT) with a quarrel between the suspect and his lawyer. The courthouse is cordoned off and temporarily closed to the public. People have been evacuated from the courthouse.
The shooter has been identified as Claudio Giardiello.