Elite Kosovo Police Officer Shot Dead

“The incident happened around 15:45 hours and a KPS member has died,” KPS spokesman Veton Elshani told Balkan Insight. “At this time, the victim was not on duty.”

Elshani wasn’t able to confirm if there are any arrests or suspects in the case.

A source within KPS told Balkan Insight that the victim was Triumf Riza, a member of KPS close protection unit. The unit is an elite force that protects VIPs.

The source said Riza had “got into trouble with a high-profile gang” and been involved in at least two previous shooting incidents with the gang. It was unclear whether Riza’s death might have been connected to the previous shootings.

“Riza was a very professional officer, he was brave and he did his job in very efficient way,” the KPS source said.

Riza was said to be dating Kosovo pop star Adelina Ismajli. It remains unclear whether Riza`s murder was due to professional or personal motives.