Following the recent terrorist attack in Kyiv that claimed the lives of six people, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine announced that there will be no mass checks of gun owners. This was stated by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
This is reported by Finway
Investigation and Verification of the Attacker’s Documents
Ihor Klymenko emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances under which the attacker obtained medical certificates to renew his gun permit. According to the minister, the mental state of the shooter was unstable, so law enforcement must determine how he was able to legally possess a firearm.
“The mental state of the attacker was clearly unstable. How he obtained the necessary medical certificates to renew his gun permit must be thoroughly investigated. This will be done as part of the investigation. There will be no mass checks of gun owners.”
Discussion on Gun Rights and Preparation of a New Draft Law
Despite the tragedy, the minister supports the right of civilian citizens to possess firearms, particularly handguns. Ihor Klymenko believes that Ukrainians should have the ability to legally defend themselves. In the coming weeks, expert discussions are planned involving members of parliament, representatives of the public, journalists, and the veteran community. The goal will be to prepare the final version of the draft law on civilian firearms.
It is worth noting that on April 18, an unknown assailant opened fire on the street in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of four people. He later barricaded himself inside a supermarket, taking hostages, and killed one more person. During the assault, the shooter was neutralized. Subsequently, another injured woman died in the hospital, raising the death toll to six, with 14 others injured.
A criminal proceeding has been opened under part 3 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act resulting in death). According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, the attacker was identified as a 58-year-old native of Moscow who used automatic weapons.