December 20, 2019

Andrew Campbell 

A deadly shooting has taken place near the headquarters of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), the KGB's successor agency, at Lubyanka Square in Moscow on December 19. In Russia, December 19 is the security service day which is a special holiday for security staff.

At least one FSB officer was killed while 5 other people were wounded. An unknown gunman opened fire, reported with a Kalashnikov automatic weapon, near the headquarters of Russia's security agency in the evening. The FSB stated that the gunman was immediately neutralized and authorities were working to identify the shooter and his motives.

Among the 5 persons who were wounded in the shooting, the Health Ministry revealed 2 FSB officers who were severely injured. Police also sealed off the streets around the FSB headquarters. The shooting incident was a short distance to the Kremlin.

The timing of the shooting happened hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the annual press conference while he announced an event to mark the achievement of Russia's security services. It is worth noting that President Putin himself served as the director of the FSB during 1998 and 1999.

Photo:Webshot.