- Gunman Killed After Hostage Standoff at Supermarket
KYIV: A gunman opened fire in Ukraine’s capital on Saturday, killing at least five people, injuring several others, and taking hostages inside a supermarket before being killed during an attempted arrest, authorities said.
President Zelensky Confirms Casualties
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least five people had died in the attack, while 10 others were hospitalized suffering from gunshot wounds and trauma.
“The attacker in Kyiv who opened fire on civilians has been eliminated,” Zelensky said in a statement on social media, extending his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Attack Began in Residential Area
According to reports, the shooting began in a residential district of Kyiv. Footage circulated by local news agency UNIAN, which could not be independently verified, appeared to show a man carrying a firearm and shooting at a person at close range near an apartment building.
Hostages Rescued from Supermarket
The suspect later entered a nearby supermarket, where additional gunshots were heard, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Officials said four hostages were successfully rescued during the security operation.
Special Forces Deployed
Ukraine’s police confirmed that special forces units were dispatched to the scene in the Holosiivskyi district, located in the southern part of the city, to contain the situation and neutralize the attacker.
Motive Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the attack. President Zelensky said all circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated and called for a swift and thorough inquiry.
BY: The Times Union
