The man who attacked Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was carrying pepper spray and a crucifix as he waited for the premier,an Italian official said on Tuesday as a judge considered whether the suspect should be transferred to a psychiatric hospital. Berlusconi,73,was struck in the face Sunday as he signed autographs in Milan. The attacker hurled a statuette of Milan's Duomo cathedral at the premier,breaking Berlusconi's nose and two teeth and cutting his lips. The 42-year-old attacker,Massimo Tartaglia,who police say has a history of psychological problems,was being questioned in jail on Tuesday. His defence lawyer,Daniela Insalaco,told reporters outside Milan's San Vittore prison that she was awaiting a ruling on whether Tartaglia should be sent to a psychiatric unit. It was not clear when that ruling would be issued. Berlusconi,in a message from his hospital bed,thanked all those who had sent him good wishes. He urged his supporters to remain calm. "Love always wins over envy and hatred," he said in the message posted on his party's Web site. Italian news reports said Tartaglia wrote a letter yesterday to Berlusconi that expressed sorrow for his "superficial,cowardly and uncontrolled" act.
