Russia: Police responding to earlier shooting in Moscow, Sept. 18

Authorities are responding to an earlier shooting outside a business center on Romanov Pereulok in central Moscow as of the afternoon of Sept. 18. Details regarding the incident remain unclear; however, it appears an unknown number of people targeted several individuals as they attempted to enter the offices of online retailer Wildberries around 12:00. Unconfirmed reports indicate that up to three people were injured and another killed as a result of the altercation. Police have erected a cordon and reportedly detained several people in connection with the shooting. Authorities have evacuated the Romanov Dvor business center and briefly placed surrounding buildings on lockdown. The motivation for the shooting remains unclear, but various sources allege it is connected to Wildberries' announcement of a merger with outdoor advertising firm Russ.

Authorities will maintain road closures and heightened security in the area until they conclude their investigations. Localized transport and business disruptions will persist until the police cordon is lifted.