Russian Regional Governor Attacked with Knife After Town Hall Meeting, in Critical Condition

Andrey Chibis, the Russian governor of the Murmansk Region in northern Russia, was subjected to an assault by an individual armed with a knife on Thursday evening, Aso Naija Reports.

Local authorities reported that the incident occurred following a meeting with residents of the town of Apatity.

Chibis was promptly transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery for a stab wound, according to a report by RT.

The attack took place at the entrance of a cultural center in the mining town, situated 185 kilometers away from the regional capital on the Kola Peninsula.

The spokesperson to the governor stated that the assailant’s actions were sudden and no demands or slogans were uttered during the incident.

A Russian National Guard officer apprehended the perpetrator swiftly.

The suspect has yet to be officially identified, but the Telegram channel Baza has named him as Aleksandr Bidanov, a 43-year-old local resident. The motive behind the attack remains unknown at this time.

Chibis sustained a stab wound to the abdomen. Although he managed to walk to his car unaided, he was promptly rushed into surgery upon arriving at the Apatity-Kirov Central City Hospital, as confirmed by authorities.

The town hall meeting, which Chibis had announced on Tuesday, attracted a crowd of over 300 attendees, including local activists and entrepreneurs.

Chibis, a former deputy construction minister and housing inspector, assumed the role of governor in the Murmansk Region in September 2019. He is affiliated with the ruling United Russia party.