Bryansk, Russia: In a shocking incident that unfolded on Thursday morning in Bryansk, western Russia, a 14-year-old girl fatally shot a fellow pupil before turning the gun on herself.
The attack occurred at Gymnasium No 5, leaving five people injured, one in serious condition, according to Russian authorities.
The gun used in the tragic incident was reportedly registered in the girl’s father’s name, as revealed by a parliamentarian.
Police were alerted to the scene around 09:15 local time, responding to reports of gunfire at the school near the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders.
Deputy Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov disclosed that one victim is undergoing surgery, emphasizing the severity of the injuries sustained during the shooting.
Authorities suspect that the teenage girl may have been embroiled in a conflict with classmates, shedding light on a potential motive.
The investigation also uncovered the girl’s belongings, including a box of bullets, during a search of the school premises.
Alexander Khinshtein, a member of the Russian Duma, highlighted a “neglectful attitude” toward the gun’s storage as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
Russia imposes stringent laws on firearm ownership, mandating secure storage in a particular safe regularly inspected by the police.
Students within the school reportedly took immediate action upon hearing gunshots, barricading themselves in classrooms.
One student recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “The boys barricaded the door with desks, one girl called the police, and the teacher was calling everyone else.”.
The Bryansk region’s governor, Alexander Bogomaz, expressed deep sorrow, labelling the incident a “tragedy.”
While Russia has witnessed several school shootings in recent years, this marks a grim distinction as the first involving a female shooter.
In 2021, a 19-year-old assailant claimed the lives of seven children and two adults in a Kazan school, and the following year, 18 people lost their lives in a school shooting in Udmurtia.
In response to the Bryansk shooting, students, teachers, and parents at Gymnasium No. 5 are being offered psychological support to cope with the aftermath.
As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about the enforcement of gun storage regulations and the broader issue of ensuring the safety of educational environments in the face of such tragic events.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members