Teacher Normunds Vamzis Fatally Shot at Priekule Festival by Police Officer

On July 29, 2026, a celebration in Priekule, Latvia, turned deadly when State Police junior inspector Andis Silniekš opened fire on Normunds Vamzis, a long‑time teacher at Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School and head of its clothing‑design program.

Security guard Elvis, who was on duty at the event, said the incident began with two youths running and a police officer who initially acted aggressively toward the guard before recognizing him. The officer was briefly removed from the scene, then returned and shot Vamzis, who was found breathing but later died despite medical intervention. Silniekš was arrested at the scene. The shooting has prompted public outrage and calls for an investigation into police conduct.