Awful news.
Pawel Adamowicz, the mayor of the Polish city of Gdansk, has died after being stabbed in the heart while speaking at a charity event.
Adamowicz was originally reported to be in serious condition after the attack, and was rushed to hospital. Local media reports suggest that surgeons operated on him for over five hours, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was 53 years old.
Poland’s President had originally offered hope, tweeting that “there is hope but the condition is still very difficult.”
Duda has since tweeted again to confirm Adamowicz’s passing, writing: “Paweł Adamowicz has gone. I combine regret and prayer with his closest friends and all men of good will. Please Lord God for support for the deceased family.” He condemned the hostility and violence behind the terrible tragedy.”
There is video footage of the incident which shows a man storming the stage before the attack. He says that he had been imprisoned by the previous government.
Pan Prezydent Paweł Adamowicz odszedł. Łączę się żalu i modlitwie z Jego Najbliższymi, Przyjaciółmi i wszystkimi Ludźmi dobrej woli. Proszę Pana Boga o wsparcie dla Rodziny Zmarłego.
Wrogość i przemoc przyniosła najtragiczniejszy skutek i ból. Nie wolno nam się z tym pogodzić.— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) January 14, 2019
Adamowicz was known as a progressive voice in Poland, as a staunch supporter of LGBT rights, immigrants, and minority groups.
A 27-year-old man from Gdansk has been arrested in connection with the crime.
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