Sofia Woman Attacks Four with Knife: Police Investigation & Mother’s Account

Sofia, Bulgaria – A series of violent attacks in Bulgaria’s capital on Thursday left four people injured and prompted a city-wide search for the assailant, a 39-year-old woman now in custody. The attacks, unfolding in quick succession across different locations in Sofia, sparked immediate concern and a swift response from law enforcement. The incident raises questions about mental health support and public safety in the city.

The first reported attack occurred near the National Palace of Culture (NDK), a central landmark in Sofia. Police quickly responded, initiating a search that expanded to include public transportation routes. The second attack took place on bus line 94, captured on the vehicle’s security cameras. Authorities released a photograph of the suspect, appealing to the public for information leading to her identification and apprehension. The speed of the police response, with officers deployed across the city within minutes of the initial reports, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Galina, the 39-year-old woman now in custody, was apprehended at her home in the Simeonovo district, according to police statements. Officers described encountering verbal aggression during the arrest. “She was aggressive – verbal aggression towards us. She asked us what we were doing there, why we were bothering her. She was generally abusive,” said Senior Police Officer Boris Alexiev of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Security (SDIR). The arrest followed a tip from a citizen who had prior contact with the suspect, providing crucial information that led police to her address, according to Chief Inspector Alexander Netsov, head of the Criminal Police Department at the 01 RU-SDIR.

Mother’s Account Reveals History of Aggression

Speaking to bTV, Galina’s mother revealed that her daughter confessed to the attacks, admitting to using a kitchen knife – “our knife,” she stated – to injure four individuals. The mother described a pattern of aggressive behavior, though she said she had previously been able to prevent escalation to violence. “She has been aggressive many times. It never reached extremes since I prevented it,” she told bTV. This account suggests a pre-existing pattern of behavior that may have contributed to the events of Thursday.

The mother’s statement offers a glimpse into the personal circumstances surrounding the attacks, but authorities have not yet released details regarding a potential motive. Police confirmed that Galina has a prior criminal record, but details of those previous offenses have not been publicly disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to understand the factors that led to the attacks.

Timeline of Events and Police Response

The series of incidents unfolded rapidly, prompting a coordinated response from the Sofia police. Here’s a breakdown of the known timeline:

1. Initial Attack (NDK Area): The first attack occurred near the National Palace of Culture, prompting the initial police response.
2. Bus 94 Attack: The second attack took place on bus line 94, captured on security footage. This prompted the release of the suspect’s photograph to the public.
3. Search and Apprehension: Police focused their search on the Simeonovo district after receiving information from a citizen. Galina was apprehended at her home.
4. Confession and Investigation: Galina confessed to the attacks, and the investigation is ongoing.

Senior Police Officer Viktor Danev (SPS, SDIR) confirmed that officers were dispatched to the NDK area immediately after the first report. The quick dissemination of information and the coordinated effort between uniformed and plainclothes officers were critical in the initial stages of the investigation.

Concerns About Public Safety and Mental Health

The attacks have raised concerns about public safety in Sofia and the availability of mental health resources. Police officials emphasized that individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior can pose a danger to themselves and others. “In various situations, these people can be dangerous not only to others but also to themselves,” police stated. The incident underscores the importance of early intervention and access to mental health support for individuals struggling with aggression or mental illness.

The Sofia Directorate of Internal Security (SDIR) has not released information about the victims’ conditions, but confirmed that all four individuals were injured. The investigation is focused on determining the full extent of the injuries and providing support to the victims and their families. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures in public spaces and a review of mental health services in the city.

What’s Next?

Galina remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are expected to present her before a judge in the coming days to determine whether she will be held in pre-trial detention. The Sofia Prosecutor’s Office will be leading the prosecution, and further details about the charges she will face are expected to be announced soon. The Sofia Municipality is expected to release a statement addressing public safety concerns and outlining any planned measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for help. Resources are available, and you are not alone. Share your thoughts and reactions to this story in the comments below.