Call for Dismissal of Holosiivskyi District Police Chief
Following a deadly terror attack in Kyiv, Ukrainian lawmaker Mykola Tyshchenko and colleagues have formally demanded the resignation of the head of the Holosiivskyi District Police, Araik Kochkadamyian. In an official appeal published by the outlet 'Hlavkom,' they have also called for an internal investigation. This demand comes in response to the April 18th incident, which resulted in six fatalities and sixteen injuries. This attack is one of the most severe security incidents in Kyiv in recent months, intensifying scrutiny of law enforcement's response.
Tyshchenko addressed his appeal to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and National Police Chief Ivan Vyhivskyi. He argued that the district police chief should resign in the wake of such a catastrophic event.
"I cannot remain silent, as I have received numerous complaints about the head of the Holosiivskyi police department in the last day alone," Tyshchenko stated. "We, as people's deputies, believe that after such 'work,' the head of the Holosiivskyi police department, Araik Henrykovych Kochkadamyian, should resign of his own volition."
Police Investigation and Attack Details
The National Police has already launched an internal probe into the officers' actions during the attack. Two patrol officers have been suspended pending the investigation, and a criminal case has been initiated for their alleged dereliction of duty. Video footage circulating online appears to show the inaction of two police officers during the assault.
The terror attack unfolded in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district when a 58-year-old native of Moscow opened fire, barricading himself inside a supermarket and taking hostages. A fire also broke out in the attacker's registered apartment. The Kyiv city prosecutor arrived at the scene, and the assailant was ultimately neutralized by the special forces unit KORD during a raid. The shooting claimed five lives on the street and in the supermarket, with a sixth victim, a woman, later dying in the hospital.
In the aftermath, ten people were hospitalized with injuries, while six others received medical treatment on-site. As of midday on April 19th, eight injured individuals remained in hospitals. Among them, one child was in stable but serious condition. Of the adults, one was in extremely critical condition, three were in serious condition, and three were in moderately serious condition. The Kyiv City State Administration refuted rumors about the death of a 12-year-old boy's mother but confirmed that the boy's aunt died in the hospital following the attack.
Tyshchenko further criticized the police chief's leadership.
"The commander is clearly incapable of organizing his subordinates' work to fulfill their direct duties and monitoring their performance," he said. "His negligence led to a great tragedy. Especially during wartime, this individual is unfit for the position."He emphasized that merely firing the officers involved is insufficient to reassure the public, as residents of the district hold their commander directly responsible and no longer trust him with their safety.
The demand for the police chief's resignation underscores the critical need for accountability within law enforcement, particularly during emergencies. The incident has exposed failures in the police response, fueling public outrage and highlighting the necessity for leadership changes to restore trust. The parallel internal investigation is crucial, as it may uncover systemic issues within police operations that must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.
In light of the recent demands for police accountability, it is essential to examine the broader implications of law enforcement's response during such crises. The Interior Minister has initiated an inquiry into the actions of the police during the attack, reflecting the growing concern over public safety measures. For a detailed overview of this investigation and its potential impact on police protocols, see the official inquiry into police actions during the attack.