Plovdiv: Child Fatally Shoots Father, a Police Officer, at SPS Headquarters

Plovdiv, August 12, 2024 – In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the city of Plovdiv, a 6-year-old child fatally shot his father, a police officer, within the premises of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Police Forces (SPS).

The tragic event was confirmed by senior commissioner Georgi Chergov, regional director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Plovdiv, and district prosecutor Vanya Hristeva, who is overseeing the case.

The incident occurred around 4:40 p.m., shortly after the conclusion of the afternoon training sessions of the “Special Tactical Actions” sector.

The officers had returned to the rest area of the building, where their personal belongings are stored, when the unthinkable happened. The young son of one of the officers was present in the area.

As the officers were in the debriefing room, they were startled by the sound of a gunshot. Rushing out into the hallway, they found the child holding a firearm.

The officers calmly approached and disarmed the child, only to discover that their colleague had been fatally wounded by the shot. Immediate procedural and investigative actions were taken under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office.

Georgi Chergov, who was requested to resign by Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov following the incident, reported that all employees within the SPS territory have been identified and interrogated, with many already providing testimony.

A disciplinary investigation is underway to determine how the weapon came into the child’s possession and whether it had been properly secured.

Chergov declined to provide specific details about the weapon, as it remains a focal point of the investigation. Experts believe the weapon was already loaded, as a child of that age is unlikely to have loaded it independently.

The child’s mental state following the incident is of significant concern. District prosecutor Vanya Hristeva stated that the child is deeply distressed by what transpired.

Psychological support has been provided to the children of the deceased officer, with urgent actions taken in the presence of a psychologist and their mother.

In the wake of the incident, Minister of Internal Affairs Kalin Stoyanov requested Chergov’s resignation, citing inadequate control as the reason.

Chergov confirmed that he had informed the Minister immediately after the event and expressed his readiness to take responsibility as deemed necessary by the Ministry’s leadership.

The ongoing investigation is examining several possible explanations for how the incident occurred, including whether the service weapon was properly stored. Minister Stoyanov is expected to provide further updates on the situation later today.

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

The shock and grief within the SPS community are palpable. Colleagues of the deceased officer, who had just completed a rigorous day of training, are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a fellow officer in such a tragic manner.

The SPS building, typically a place of discipline and order, became a scene of sorrow and disbelief. As the investigation unfolds, several critical questions are being addressed. How did the child gain access to the firearm?

Was the weapon improperly stored or left unattended? The initial findings suggest that the weapon was already loaded, which raises further concerns about standard operating procedures and the adherence to safety protocols within the SPS.

District prosecutor Vanya Hristeva has assured the public that every aspect of the incident will be thoroughly examined.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. This tragic event has highlighted the importance of stringent weapon safety protocols, especially in environments where children may be present,” Hristeva stated.

Psychological Support and Community Response

The psychological impact on the child and the family of the deceased officer cannot be overstated. The young boy, who inadvertently caused his father’s death, is receiving continuous psychological support.

Specialists are working closely with the family to navigate the immediate trauma and the long-term emotional consequences of the incident.

The local community in Plovdiv has rallied around the family, offering condolences and support. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the fallen officer and provide solace to his grieving family and colleagues.

Leadership and Accountability

Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov’s call for the resignation of senior commissioner Georgi Chergov underscores the gravity of the incident.

Stoyanov has emphasized the need for accountability and a reassessment of safety protocols within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“This incident is a stark reminder of our responsibilities. We must ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again,” Stoyanov said in a statement.

Chergov, who has expressed his willingness to step down, acknowledged the critical lapses that led to the incident.

“As leaders, we are responsible for the safety and security of our officers and their families. This tragedy has revealed significant gaps that must be addressed immediately,” he stated.

As the investigation continues, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is expected to implement stricter safety measures and conduct comprehensive reviews of existing protocols to prevent any recurrence of such a tragic event.

The focus remains on providing support to the affected family and ensuring justice and accountability through a meticulous investigation process.