The Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, explained the incident at the Police headquarters in central Chisinau, stating that the authorities learned about it the same day it happened. She clarified that the police officer used a personal weapon, not a service-issued firearm.
“It is a personal weapon, legally owned. According to the officer, it appears the gun malfunctioned,” the minister said.
Daniella Misail-Nichitin added that three shots were fired during the incident. She confirmed that an internal investigation has been ongoing for three days.
“We await the results of the forensic examination, which will clarify the weapon situation. It is important to give enough time to understand all circumstances so we can make correct and preventive decisions,” the minister said.
She did not provide further details on why the officer had a personal weapon inside the Inspectorate, noting that the investigation will clarify all aspects.
On December 22, MP Vasile Costiuc reported that approximately 30 bullets were fired inside the Police Inspectorate Centru, claiming that two officers fought during their professional holiday and that the responding 112 emergency team transported them to the Inspectorate to calm the situation.
The head of the National Police, Viorel Cernauteanu, later confirmed to Realitatea that the shots did not come from a service weapon and that prosecutors had been informed.
The National Police Inspectorate stated that three cartridges were found and that the pistol malfunctioned. The press service emphasized that no conflicts involving gunfire occurred inside the premises between employees or civilians.