The man who barricaded himself inside his apartment and fired at police has been identified as 59-year-old Lechi Alkhanov, a resident of the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This information was shared by Akhmed Dudayev, the Minister of National Policy, Foreign Relations, Press and Information for the Chechen Republic, via a Telegram channel.
In his update from St. Petersburg, Dudayev stated that Alkhanov, aged 59, has reportedly received treatment for mental health issues at several medical facilities in the past. The minister noted that Alkhanov was under observation in appropriate health institutions and stressed that there was no evidence of terrorism or extremism linked to the attackerorays. The communication emphasizes a healthcare context rather than a criminal motive tied to political or terrorist aims, according to the Telegram channel.
The Telegram channel Pure reported additional details about the incident, indicating that the violence began with a confrontation inside a fish shop. It was claimed that Alkhanov shot the dealer in the head using a traumatic pistol. The report mentions that Alkhanov had visited the Shchuka fish shop about two weeks earlier and had an argument with a 44-year-old employee following a remark about smoking in a public space. A second dispute with the same salesperson occurred the day before the shooting, according to the channel.
Prior to the shooting, police reported that a department employee sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire. Eyewitnesses described a tense scene near the residence where the confrontation with police occurred, and local authorities confirmed an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the security response. The events unfolded in St. Petersburg as officials worked to piece together the sequence of interactions that culminated in the shooting at law enforcement officers.
Officials from St. Petersburg have provided context about the incident, reiterating that the incident involved a single individual and that an immediate law enforcement response prevented further harm. The focus of the ongoing inquiry includes the timeline of Alkhanov’s interactions at the shop, the nature of the disagreements, and any potential history of mental health treatment that might illuminate the motive. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating with medical professionals to understand Alkhanov’s mental health status and to assess any risks posed to the public in the period leading up to the event.
Rumors and initial reports noted that Alkhanov’s actions did not appear to be associated with political extremism or terrorism, according to officials familiar with the investigation. The emphasis from authorities is on safety, mental health considerations, and the proper attribution of responsibility to the individual involved. Investigators are also examining whether any other persons may have influenced the suspect’s behavior or if a broader pattern of conflict preceded the aggression at the fish shop. The reporting channel highlights the need for caution when interpreting early, often fragmentary information in rapidly evolving situations and underscores the importance of official confirmation from credible sources.
In the broader community response, residents and local business owners have expressed concern about safety and have called for clear communication from authorities as the case progresses. Public safety officials remind residents to report suspicious behavior and to rely on official channels for updates, given the often evolving nature of such incidents. The police department has pledged transparency while noting that the investigation remains active and is intended to provide a thorough account of the events, the person involved, and the surrounding circumstances to ensure accountability and public reassurance. The focus remains on understanding the situation, supporting affected individuals, and preventing recurrences through improved safety measures in commercial districts.
The case continues to develop as authorities compile a comprehensive timeline of events, document the interactions at the fish shop, and verify the person’s medical history. Reporters and observers await further official statements that will clarify whether any broader factors contributed to the incident and what steps will be taken to address any public health or safety concerns moving forward. All parties remain vigilant as the investigation seeks to determine the exact sequence of actions that led from a routine shopping encounter to a fatal confrontation with police.