This afternoon, a 34-year-old man entered the mosque on Kavaja Street in Central Tirana and stabbed five people.
The man was apprehended and arrested by the police just moments after the incident.
Those injured in the attack were taken to hospital and according to police are in stable condition. They are aged between 22 and 35 years old, according to the police notice.
“At around 14:30, on Kavaja Street, a citizen entered the premises of a religious building (mosque) and in still unclear circumstances injured 5 citizens with a sharp tool.
Thanks to the professional and immediate reaction of the Police services, it was possible to neutralize and handcuff the suspected perpetrator, from Burrel, who is being escorted to the premises of the Local Police Directorate in Tirana, for further actions.
Meanwhile, the police services have given first aid to the injured citizens, who were transported to the hospital for medical assistance and are out of danger for life.
The investigative group arrived at the scene and under the direction of the Prosecution, the work continues to clarify the circumstances and complete legal documentation of the event,” read the police notice.
Imam of the mosque, Ahmed Kalaja reacted and reassured Muslims that the mosque would be open again in the next few hours. He said that those injured included several staff and male worshipers.
He added that he hopes it was not a terrorist attack and that the perpetrator was acting under other influences such as mental health issues.
The attack takes place during the first week of the month of Ramadan.
