Moldova Declares July 4th as Day of Mourning for Victims of Airport Tragedy

In Moldova, July 4th Declared Day of Mourning in Memory of Those Killed at the Airport

President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has declared July 4th as a day of national mourning in memory of the border guard and security service officer who lost their lives at the Chisinau Airport, according to a statement published on the President's website.

On Friday, a foreign national opened fire at Chisinau Airport. Passengers were evacuated, and flights were temporarily suspended. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the shooter was a Tajik citizen who was denied entry into the country. He killed a border guard and an airport security service officer. The Prosecutor's Office of Tajikistan reported on Saturday that the shooter was identified as 43-year-old Rustam Ashurov, who was wanted for kidnapping. The man is in critical condition and unconscious.

"In memory of Sergey Muntian and Igor Chiofu, victims of the tragic incident that occurred at Chisinau International Airport on June 30, 2023, and as a sign of deep compassion and solidarity with the families, relatives, and close friends of the deceased, President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has signed a decree declaring July 4, 2023, as a day of national mourning," the statement said.

It is noted that on this day, national flags will be flown at half-mast in all populated areas of the country, as well as at diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic abroad. At 12:00, a minute of silence will be observed to honor the memory of the deceased.

"State authorities, enterprises, and organizations are recommended to refrain from mass entertainment events, and the mass media should take into account the specific nature of July 4th when editing publications and designing programs," the statement added.

Sandu also signed a decree posthumously awarding the Medal "For Military Merit" to Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Igor Chiofu of the State Protection Service and Deputy Chief of the Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sergey Muntian.