Video shows minors vandalizing a tram stop near Samara’s Tretyakov Gallery branch; investigation underway
Police in Samara opened an inquiry after a video circulated on social networks showing young people vandalizing a tram stop located beside a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery. The report, relayed on a Telegram channel, notes that State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein commented on the incident, signaling the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the matter [Citation: Telegram channel ChP Samara; comments attributed to Alexander Khinshtein].
The footage, published by the Telegram channel ChP Samara, depicts a young man striking the glass or plastic cover of a bus stop with force, causing the shelter to shatter. The voices heard in the background suggest the intent behind the act was to test the material composition of the stop — a premise that raises questions about damage to public property and potential safety risks for nearby pedestrians and commuters [Citation: Telegram channel ChP Samara; on-site recording details].
Authorities highlighted that the vandalized stop was part of a broader urban improvement effort around the Factory Kitchen area, a project intended to modernize and integrate public infrastructure with the surrounding landscape. The deputy’s remarks, as reported by Khinshtein, point to concerns that such acts undermine the community’s investments in civic amenities and urban renewal initiatives. The situation prompted the Ministry of Internal Affairs to initiate a formal investigation into the incident in order to identify the perpetrators and assess any accompanying threats to public safety [Citation: State Duma deputy comments; official response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs].
In related incidents, there have been reports of confrontations involving younger individuals, with accounts indicating that three young men previously assaulted a passerby with brass knuckles and pepper spray in Chelyabinsk. While these events may be geographically separate, they contribute to a broader discussion about youth behavior, accountability, and the role of community oversight in preventing vandalism and violence. Local authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity promptly to ensure swift action and discourage destructive acts that disrupt everyday life for residents and visitors alike [Citation: regional news reports; public safety statements].