A tragic shooting incident unfolded in downtown Moscow on the afternoon of September 18, 2024, at the office of the prominent online retailer Wildberries. The violent altercation resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left seven others, including two police officers, injured.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has swiftly launched a criminal case in connection with the event. According to the Investigative Committee’s Moscow City branch, charges have been brought under five articles of Russia’s Criminal Code. These include Article 105 Part 1 (murder), Article 105 Part 2 (attempted murder of two or more individuals), Article 222 (illegal possession of firearms), Article 317 (attempt on the life of a law enforcement officer), and Article 330 Part 2 (arbitrariness).
This incident, which unfolded in the heart of Moscow, has shocked the city, especially given that the office targeted belongs to one of Russia’s leading online retailers. Authorities are working tirelessly to understand the full scope of the crime and the circumstances leading up to the violence.
The Incident
According to the official reports, the shooting occurred inside the Wildberries office during regular business hours. The identity of the shooter or shooters has not been publicly confirmed at this time, nor have details surrounding the motivations for the attack.
What is clear, however, is that the violence was indiscriminate, leading to the deaths of two individuals who succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Seven others were rushed to the hospital, with two law enforcement officers among the injured. The officers had arrived at the site to intervene and stop the ongoing violence, putting themselves in harm’s way in the process. The extent of the injuries sustained by the surviving victims has not been disclosed, but they are reportedly receiving medical treatment.
Witnesses at the scene have described chaos and panic as gunfire rang out inside the building. Some employees and visitors managed to flee the building, while others were forced to take cover inside the office. First responders quickly arrived, including local police and emergency medical teams.
Forensic Investigation Underway
As of now, detectives and forensic scientists are meticulously working the crime scene, trying to piece together the events that transpired. Investigators are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence from the office.
The Investigative Committee’s decision to launch a criminal case under multiple sections of the Russian Criminal Code demonstrates the gravity of the incident. Article 105, which pertains to murder and attempted murder, suggests that the authorities view this as a premeditated attack with lethal intent. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Article 222, dealing with the illegal possession of firearms, highlights concerns about how the weapon used in the attack was acquired. The charges related to the attempted murder of law enforcement officers reflect the fact that two of the injured were officers who were present to stop the criminal activity.
Response from Wildberries
Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest online retailers, has not yet issued a detailed statement on the shooting, though they are reportedly cooperating fully with authorities. The company’s Moscow office is a key part of its operations, and it remains unclear whether there were specific motives targeting the business, the employees, or visitors present at the time of the attack.
The incident is a tragic blow not only to the company but to the broader Moscow community. Wildberries is known for its extensive online presence, providing retail services across Russia and beyond. Such a violent event at one of its main offices is unprecedented and has raised significant concerns about workplace security and the general safety of Moscow’s bustling commercial areas.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
While shootings in Moscow are not as common as in some other global cities, this incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to illegal firearms and violent crime. Moscow authorities have long prioritized public safety, and the attack on law enforcement officers will likely heighten the urgency of efforts to crack down on illegal arms trafficking.
The forensic investigation is expected to continue for several days as detectives gather all available evidence. Authorities have been tight-lipped about whether any suspects have been apprehended or are being actively pursued. As of now, Moscow’s police force has called on the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic while reassuring citizens that all efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
Conclusion
The shooting at the Wildberries office in downtown Moscow is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence, even in the most central and secure areas of a major city. With two lives lost and seven people, including two law enforcement officers, injured, the event has sent shockwaves through the city.
As investigators work to uncover the motives behind the attack, the people of Moscow mourn the loss of life and hope for the swift recovery of the injured. More details are expected to emerge in the coming days, but for now, authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness, determined to bring justice to those responsible for this tragedy.
