'John Smith of New Zealand' Threw Smoke Bombs at Bulgarian Parliament

Smoke in front of the house of parliament in Sofia as a security officer reacts Friday around noon. Photo by BGNES

Bulgarian police announced Saturday they have identified the man who Friday threw two smoke bombs at the main building of the Bulgarian Parliament.

At the time of his apprehension right after the misdeed the man was apparently inebriated and presented himself as "John Smith from New Zealand."

Upon being questioned, it turned out he is a 35-year-old Bulgarian citizen called Ivan Peychev. According to initial checks, he has no crime or mental disorder records.

Police additionally revealed that in the bag he was carrying they found a fake bomb and a toy gun, confirming earlier information dispelling reports Peychev carried an actual explosive.

At present the perpetrator, who has not stated yet a reason for his actions, remains under arrest.

After the smoke bombs were thrown Friday around noon during plenary session, lawmakers and journalists in the parliament building panicked, while dozens of police cars were immediately sent to the place of the incident.

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