Sept. 20 (UPI) — At least eight people were killed and more than two dozen were injured at a university campus in central Russia on Monday after authorities say a gunman opened fire and targeted victims at random.
The shooting occurred at Perm State University in Perm Krai, about 900 miles northeast of Moscow.
Officials said the gunman began firing at students initially and then targeted police officers when they arrived.
The shooter was ultimately arrested after a gunfight with police. He was not immediately identified, but officials said he was wounded in the shootout.
Russia’s health ministry said most of the injured received gunshot wounds.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Moscow’s health and education ministers to the scene to aid the victims and their families, state-run TASS reported. Officials also sent emergency medical personnel.
Scores of students and staff at the university took refuge in campus buildings and dormitories during the assault. Some were captured on video and posted to social media.