A security camera captured the moment a female police officer was viciously stabbed by a man on Thursday morning, right in the heart of Camagüey's bustling boulevard. The footage, released on social media by activist Irma Broek, provides a chilling view of the incident as it unfolded.
The extended version of the video, lasting just over two minutes, shows the officer, clad in her uniform, standing and chatting with another woman. Both appeared engrossed in their conversation, seemingly looking at a cellphone. Suddenly, a burly man in a white t-shirt approaches, standing a few feet away. Without exchanging any words, the officer attempts to leave the area with her companion.
The man, identified as Osmanen Pichardo, first discards a cigarette and then a beer can before launching into a frenzied knife attack. This violent act took place on a sidewalk crowded with onlookers, who fled in panic. The woman accompanying the officer attempted to fend off the assailant by striking him with an umbrella.
Irma Broek stated that the video clearly indicates the attack was not politically motivated. "I repeat, the incident has absolutely no political connotation. The couple had separated due to alleged infidelity by the officer," Broek asserted.
Broek identified the assailant as Osmanen Pichardo, noting that he was apprehended during a police operation on Calle Medio. Following the attack, Pichardo reportedly hid in a pigeon loft.
One commenter expressed disbelief, "I don’t understand. I've known this young man since he was a child. Son of a neighbor, always calm and fighting for his kids. Everyone in San Ramón knows him as a fighter, not for this. No words! How sad!"
Other social media users criticized the authorities' response, questioning why the case gained attention only because the victim was a police officer. "What about the other victims? She made the news because she's with the PNR, but regular people don't matter," complained an internet user.
Another commenter hoped this incident would prompt strict actions against such crimes, lamenting, "I hope this leads to serious measures against these vile acts because, despite numerous femicides, authorities have remained silent. No to femicide. Justice for all women and families affected by these abuses."
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) condemned the attack as "repugnant" in a statement read on national television. The official note described the assailant's actions as showing "malice" and endangering the officer's life. It highlighted the support from the citizens present, which contributed to the swift capture of the perpetrator.
"The detainee has been taken to the investigation office and will face the full extent of revolutionary justice," the statement concluded.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on Instagram that the officer's name might be "Dayana," and she suffered six stab wounds. On social media platform X, even Prime Minister Manuel Marrero condemned the act, though his comments were met with criticism, reflecting the sentiment that some victims are prioritized over others by the regime.
As of the article's conclusion, the medical condition of the injured officer remains uncertain.
Key Questions About the Camagüey Knife Attack
Who was the attacker in the Camagüey knife incident?
The attacker was identified as Osmanen Pichardo, who was arrested after a police operation.
Was the attack on the police officer in Camagüey politically motivated?
According to activist Irma Broek, the attack was not politically motivated but rather related to personal issues between the assailant and the officer.
What was the public's reaction to the attack?
The public expressed shock and criticism, questioning the prioritization of the case by authorities because the victim was a police officer. There were calls for broader justice against femicide.