A recent terror attack in Kyiv has raised significant concerns regarding the actions of law enforcement during the incident. On April 18, a gunman opened fire on pedestrians in the Holosiivskyi district, subsequently taking hostages in a supermarket. Eyewitness accounts and video footage have prompted scrutiny of the police’s response, particularly their retreat from the scene.
Yuriy Irkhin, a forensic expert and criminal psychologist, commented on the police’s behavior during a broadcast on “Kyiv 24.” He stated that the officers effectively left unprotected civilians vulnerable to the shooter. Irkhin, who has prior experience in law enforcement, emphasized that protocol dictates officers should not turn their backs on a threat or flee the scene.
“In such situations, we were trained to lie down and take cover to minimize the risk of being hit, rather than retreating with our backs to the shooter,” Irkhin explained. He also noted the importance of being prepared to use firearms if available, raising questions about whether the officers were armed during the incident.
Irkhin characterized the situation as “quite disgraceful,” asserting that the police had a duty to protect civilians, as outlined in their oath. He suggested that officers should have at least instructed bystanders to take cover.
Details of the Attack and Police Actions
According to reports from UNIAN, the attack resulted in six fatalities. Following the gunfire, special forces arrived on the scene and engaged in negotiations with the assailant for approximately 40 minutes before neutralizing him. The incident has been classified as a terror attack.
Footage shared by witnesses shows police officers fleeing the area upon hearing gunshots. Subsequent to the incident, it was revealed that the officers who abandoned their posts have been suspended from duty pending an investigation.
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The police response during a recent terror attack in Kyiv has come under fire, with experts criticizing their retreat as a failure to protect civilians. The incident, which resulted in six deaths, has led to an investigation into the actions of the officers involved.
Source: UNIAN