A 73-year-old woman was injured during a daylight shooting in the heart of Varna’s pedestrian zone on Thursday, marking the second major violent crime to shake the coastal city in less than a week. The incident, which occurred around 10:15 a.m., unfolded in one of the city’s busiest commercial areas, leaving residents and shoppers stunned by the sudden eruption of gunfire.
The victim, who was sitting on a public bench at the time of the attack, was caught in the crossfire of a dispute between two men. According to police reports and witness accounts, the woman suffered a gunshot wound to the hand. While she was transported to a local hospital for treatment, medical officials have confirmed that her life is not in danger.
The shooting has intensified concerns over public safety in the city center, especially coming just five days after a separate, brutal stabbing that left four people injured. For a city known for its maritime tranquility and tourism, the rapid succession of these events has prompted calls for increased security and a clearer understanding of the volatility currently surfacing in the urban core.
Chaos in the Pedestrian Zone
The shooting took place near the area known locally as “Dupkata,” a high-traffic hub surrounded by shops and cafes. Eyewitnesses described a scene of sudden, targeted aggression that quickly spilled into the public square. According to reports from Radio Varna, the conflict began when a middle-aged man entered a nearby shop, followed shortly by a second man who was armed.
The armed assailant reportedly chased the first man through the pedestrian street, firing multiple shots. The two men allegedly exchanged gunfire before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction. The 73-year-old woman, described by witnesses as sitting “quietly” on a bench, was struck during the exchange. Social media footage from the scene showed a woman lying on a bench, spent shell casings on the pavement, and police officers searching through a handbag near a discarded weapon.
Preliminary reports suggest the confrontation may have originated from a quarrel at a nearby cafe on the corner of the street, though police have not yet officially confirmed the motive for the chase.
The Search for Russian-Speaking Suspects
Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev addressed the incident, confirming that the perpetrators are being sought by law enforcement. According to the Mayor, cited by Focus, the suspects are Russian-speaking citizens. This detail aligns with witness testimony, as several bystanders reported hearing Russian speech during the altercation.
“At the moment, the police are searching for the attackers. these are Russian-speaking citizens,” Mayor Kotsev stated. He expressed relief regarding the victim’s condition, adding, “Thank God, the woman is in good health, her life is not in danger, and she is currently in the hospital.”
The presence of Russian-speaking nationals is common in Varna, which has long served as a hub for Russian expats and tourists. However, the use of firearms in a crowded pedestrian zone represents a significant escalation in local crime patterns.
A Pattern of Violence: The Podvis Street Stabbing
This shooting follows a disturbing incident that occurred last Monday on Podvis Street. In that instance, a Lithuanian national attacked four people with a knife inside a store. The attacker was quickly apprehended and is currently in custody.
During her initial court appearance, the Lithuanian woman claimed that she had consumed a large quantity of alcohol prior to the attack. Her legal defense further noted that she has a history of being treated for bipolar disorder in Lithuania. While the stabbing appeared to be a random act of violence fueled by a mental health crisis and substance abuse, the shooting on Thursday appears to be a targeted dispute between two specific individuals.
Despite the different motives, the proximity in time and location has created a perception of instability. The following table summarizes the two violent events that have occurred in Varna within the last seven days:
| Detail | Thursday Shooting | Monday Stabbing |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Pedestrian Zone (Dupkata) | Podvis Street Store |
| Victims | 1 (73-year-old woman) | 4 people |
| Weapon | Firearms | Knife |
| Suspects | Russian-speaking males (at large) | Lithuanian female (detained) |
| Motive | Alleged dispute/quarrel | Intoxication/Mental Health |
Impact on Public Safety and Urban Security
The occurrence of two high-profile violent crimes involving foreign nationals within a single week has placed the Varna police department under scrutiny. The “Dupkata” area is one of the most visible parts of the city, often crowded with families and tourists. The fact that a firearm was discharged multiple times in such an environment suggests a blatant disregard for public safety.
Local authorities are now tasked with not only apprehending the two fugitives but also managing the growing anxiety among residents. The transition from a stabbing—which can be attributed to an individual’s mental health—to a shootout between two armed men indicates a different, potentially more organized type of criminality entering the city center.
For those seeking official updates on the investigation or wishing to report information regarding the suspects, the Varna Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (МВР Варна) remains the primary point of contact for public tips.
Disclaimer: This report contains descriptions of violence. If you or a loved one have been affected by violent crime, support is available through local crisis centers and mental health professionals.
Police efforts are currently focused on reviewing CCTV footage from the shops surrounding the pedestrian zone and coordinating with border authorities to prevent the suspects from leaving the country. The next confirmed checkpoint in this investigation will be the official police report regarding the identification and potential detention of the Russian-speaking suspects.
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