In a tragic incident at Moldova’s main international airport, a 43-year-old man opened fire, killing two security officers and injuring a civilian on Friday. According to authorities, the assailant reported to be from Tajikistan, grabbed a gun after being denied entry into the country. He was subsequently wounded and apprehended by the police. The shooting briefly disrupted flights at Chisinau International Airport.
Moldova’s acting chief prosecutor, Ion Munteanu, stated that the shooting is being investigated as a “terrorist” act. While investigators have not ruled out the involvement of other individuals, there is currently no evidence linking the assailant to any armed group.
Eyewitness Olena Shevelyova recounted the ordeal, explaining that passengers were evacuated from the airport and about 30 minutes later, she heard several gunshots. Shevelyova, along with others, was instructed to seek shelter behind technical buildings on the runway.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean revealed that the attacker seized a weapon from a border police official while being escorted away. The two victims were identified as a border guard and an airport security officer. President Maia Sandu expressed condolences for their loss.
Prosecutor Munteanu disclosed that the gunman possessed a Tajikistan passport and had arrived in Chisinau from Istanbul. He reportedly became agitated when asked about his reasons for visiting Moldova. The shooting occurred as he was being taken to an airport area for a return flight to Istanbul.
Moldova, a country with a population of 2.6 million, declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and is currently seeking to join the European Union.
Passenger Olena Shevelyova, a 48-year-old Ukrainian executive who was waiting for a flight to Milan, described the confusion during the evacuation. Initially, passengers were not informed of the reason for the evacuation, causing uncertainty and concern. It was only after they had moved far away from the airport that they were informed about the shooting.
Moldova is often used by neighbouring Ukrainians for flights, especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The interior ministry confirmed that authorities were working to restore order at the airport, but ongoing disruptions were affecting commercial activities and flight arrangements. The exact number of flights affected by the incident has not been immediately determined.
