Gunman opens fire from rooftop in Russian Arctic city (VIDEOS)
A gunman opened fire from the rooftop of a multistory building in central Murmansk late Sunday, prompting a rapid response from Russian law enforcement and the National Guard. The attacker, who appeared to be acting alone, barricaded himself with barbed wire and began shooting indiscriminately at nearby buildings and police vehicles.
Gunfire was first heard at around 10:00pm local time, according to residents of the northern Russian city. Eyewitnesses said the shooter fired at windows and law enforcement patrols before the area was cordoned off.
Special Forces and National Guard units quickly arrived on the scene. Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis urged residents to turn off their lights and stay away from their windows.
Videos shared by police and circulating on social media show the incident as it unfolded, with sporadic gunfire echoing through the streets.
One video apparently shows the suspect on the rooftop, armed with what seems to be two rifles.
The gunman was eventually “neutralized” after security forces stormed the rooftop, according to a statement from the regional National Guard. Footage released by the agency shows officers in full protective gear cutting through barbed wire as they approach the suspect’s position.
No injuries were reported among civilians or law enforcement, according to TASS. The gunman, who was reportedly shot and wounded by a police sniper, was the only casualty.
The shooter’s motive remains unclear. Investigators say the incident began when the suspect opened fire on a police patrol car. According to the Telegram channel Mash, the man made no demands prior to the attack.
The suspect has been identified as a 44-year-old local resident who acted alone. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case and is treating the incident as attempted murder of law enforcement officers.
The shooting occurred just days after Murmansk hosted the International Arctic Forum, which was attended by President Vladimir Putin. In his keynote address, Putin underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic region and outlined major infrastructure and development plans for Russia’s northern territories.
