site.btaUPDATED Female Suspect in Sofia Stabbings Likely Has Mental Health Issues, Interior Minister Says

The woman suspected of carrying out multiple stabbings in Sofia on Thursday evening likely has mental health problems, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev said at a briefing here on Friday.

He noted that an expert assessment is required to confirm whether such issues are present. Authorities have found no evidence of terrorist motives, political intent, or financial gain behind the attacks, the Minister added. 

Asked whether the suspect had previously been detained or reported to police, Dechev said the matter is being checked and it is possible she had been detained in the past. 

Late Thursday, the Sofia police confirmed that the suspected attacker, a 39-year-old woman, had been detained. 

Earlier, the Interior Ministry said the female suspect allegedly stabbed four German nationals in two separate incidents in central Sofia. Emergency services received a signal at 19:29 local time about two injured men at the Vasil Levski Stadium metro station. About 15 minutes later, a second report was received about two women stabbed at a bus stop on Cherni Vrah Boulevard near Hotel Hemus. 

Three of the victims have been discharged from hospital, while one of the attacked men remains hospitalized but stable. 

Dechev and Acting Chief Secretary of the Interior Ministry Georgi Kandev spoke to reporters while attending the annual "Firefighter of the Year" ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Later that day, the Sofia City Prosecution Office announced that the woman had been charged and detained for up to 72 hours on suspicion of attempting to murder four people in Sofia.