After the fatal shooting at a school in the Russian city of Izhevsk, the death toll has risen to 17. This was announced by the authorities in the Udmurt Republic.
Accordingly, two more people succumbed to their injuries after a 34-year-old ex-student raided the facility on Monday and shot students, teachers and security guards. Authorities say the man killed himself.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced on Tuesday that three of the injured were at risk of death. 15 injured, including 13 children, were to be flown to the Russian capital for treatment, he said. In all, more than 20 people were injured. There was a state-ordered three-day mourning in the region. According to the authorities, the security of other schools in the city has been increased.
The perpetrator, who according to the authorities had mental problems, is said to have shot around with two Makarov pistols. Investigations began into the background of the crime in the city around 1200 kilometers east of Moscow. Chief investigator Alexander Bastrykin said of the perpetrator: “He was wearing a black T-shirt with Nazi symbols and a balaclava. He had no documents with him.” Investigators also released a photo showing a swastika.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke of a “terrorist act” a few hours after the incident. He said the perpetrator “was, by all appearances, a member of a neo-fascist organization or group.” No real evidence was presented for this. Investigators said the man’s home and surroundings are now being checked for Nazi views.
