Andrey Chibis, the deputy governor of the Murmansk region, was attacked with a knife according to a statement from his mother. The attack occurred on the evening of April 4th after a meeting between the governor of the city of Apatity and the residents of the region at a local palace of culture. Chibis had announced the meeting on social media prior to the incident. As Chibis was leaving the building, he was attacked by a local resident with a knife. He received medical assistance and was taken to a hospital where his condition stabilized. Photos of Chibis in his hospital bed were shared on Telegram channels.

The deputy governor, who was stabbed, remains in the hospital. After receiving medical treatment, he reported being in stable condition and expressed gratitude to the doctors. According to Telegram channels and media outlets, the attacker is Alexander Bidanov, a 42-year-old resident of Apatai. Mash reported that Chibis was waiting for him in his car near the central clinic in Murmansk. “Komersant” cited sources stating that Bidanov had worked for “Russian Railways” and had been dismissed multiple times in the past. During the attack, Chibis’ bodyguard attempted to protect him by trying to fend off the assailant. The injured attacker was taken to the same hospital as the regional governor and was later questioned. During the interrogation, the assailant mentioned his intention to commit murder. A judicial medical examination conducted during the interrogation revealed evidence of previous physical injuries, including numerous bruises and cuts.

The assailant clarified during the interrogation that he did not know Chibis, and the deputy governor did not recognize him. Investigators have suggested that the assailant may have previously undergone compulsory psychiatric treatment, in accordance with Article 30, Part 2 of the Criminal Code. The court in the Murmansk region determined that the main motive for the crime was revenge, as the suspect had previously been convicted for up to 20 years.