17 Oct 2018 | 02:26 PM UTC
Ukraine/Russia: Gunman kills 18 in Kerch (Crimea) October 17 /update 2
Gunman kills 18 people at polytechnic college in Kerch (Crimea) before killing himself October 17; incident considered “mass murder” rather than terrorism
Event
A gunman killed at least 18 people and wounded some 50 others at a polytechnic college in Kerch (Crimea) on Wednesday, October 17. Russian authorities claim that a 22-year-old man set off a bomb and shot students and faculty members before killing himself. The assailant reportedly acted alone; a potential motive for the attack was not immediately announced.
Officials have reclassified the attack from its initial description as an act of terrorism to "mass murder." The Emergency Situations Ministry has declared a state of emergency and has implemented an increased security presence in the area. Localized traffic disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the incident in the coming hours. A three-day mourning period has been declared in response to the attack.
Advice
Individuals in Kerch are advised to avoid the site of the attack, keep abreast of the situation, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
