An unknown assailant opened fire in Kyiv: many people have been injured and killed. UPDATED
18 April 18:01
In Kyiv, an unknown assailant opened fire on a crowd; there are fatalities and injuries, and police are conducting a special operation to apprehend the suspect.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the “Kyiv Police” Telegram channel.
“In the Holosiivskyi district, an unknown assailant opened fire on people… According to preliminary information, one person has died, and there are wounded. The number of victims is being clarified,” the report states.
Eyewitnesses on social media report at least four fatalities. The man simply ran up to random passersby and shot them at point-blank range.
Police units and KORD special forces have already been dispatched to the scene. Law enforcement is currently conducting a special operation to apprehend the suspect.
According to social media reports, the incident occurred in Demiivka. According to locals, an unknown man in his 60s was shooting at people. He allegedly barricaded himself inside a Velmart store and took several people hostage.
According to UP sources in law enforcement, the perpetrator entered the store. The area has been cordoned off by police, and a special operation is underway. The exact number of casualties is being determined.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that a child is among those wounded on the street in the Holosiivskyi district. Medical personnel are transporting the child to the hospital. Adult casualties are being examined and treated on-site. According to the mayor, the shooting has resulted in injuries and several fatalities.
“A special operation to apprehend the man who opened fire and is currently inside the supermarket is ongoing. According to preliminary reports, gunshots are also being heard inside the supermarket,” Klitschko wrote.
Around 6:00 p.m., Klitschko reported that, according to medical personnel, there are currently two fatalities in the Holosiivskyi district. Five people wounded in the street shooting have been admitted to hospitals in the capital.
Among them is one child. Also among them is a security guard from the supermarket where the shooter burst in and is currently located. The operation to apprehend him is ongoing.
