Two people are shot and killed and 29 students are taken hostage at a high school in Moscow, Russia.

The Tragic School No. 263 Shooting in Moscow

On February 3, 2014, a harrowing and unprecedented event unfolded at School No. 263, located in the Otradnoye District of Moscow, Russia. This incident marked a grim milestone in the nation's contemporary history, being widely recognized as the first reported school shooting of its kind in modern Russia. The tragedy drew immediate national and international attention, prompting widespread discussions on school safety and mental health.

The Perpetrator and His Actions

The perpetrator was 15-year-old high school student Sergey Gordeyev (Russian: Сергей Гордеев; also spelled Sergei Gordeev), a student known for his excellent academic performance. Armed with two rifles, reportedly a small-bore rifle and a hunting rifle belonging to his father, Gordeyev entered the school premises. His violent rampage commenced when he opened fire in a classroom, fatally shooting Andrey Kirillov, a 29-year-old geography teacher who was conducting a lesson at the time. This initial act of violence sent immediate shockwaves of terror through the school community.

Following the killing of the teacher, Gordeyev proceeded to take approximately 29 students hostage within the classroom, holding them at gunpoint. As law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene, a tense confrontation ensued. During the unfolding crisis, Gordeyev fired upon police officers, fatally shooting police officer Sergey Buzdnik, a senior sergeant and member of the Moscow police force's crisis intervention unit, and injuring another officer. The situation escalated into a prolonged and volatile standoff, with negotiators, including Gordeyev's father, attempting to de-escalate the critical scenario.

The Aftermath and Surrender

After several hours of intense negotiations, facilitated by direct communication with his father, Sergey Gordeyev eventually surrendered to the authorities. His surrender brought an end to the terrifying hostage crisis, allowing the remaining students to be safely evacuated from the classroom. The incident resulted in two fatalities—the teacher Andrey Kirillov and police officer Sergey Buzdnik—and one injury, profoundly impacting the victims' families and the entire school community, leading to a period of national mourning and reflection.

A Precedent in Modern Russian History

The School No. 263 shooting stands as a somber and significant landmark, widely recognized as the first widely reported and prominent school shooting in Russia's modern history. Prior to this tragic event, incidents of this nature were largely unfamiliar in post-Soviet Russia, making the Otradnoye District tragedy a stark and shocking realization of a threat previously associated more with other countries. Investigations into Gordeyev's motives suggested a complex interplay of factors, including immense pressure related to his academic performance as a straight-A student and a purported desire to "test" himself or his resolve. Ultimately, after a psychological evaluation, Sergey Gordeyev was declared legally insane by a court and was committed to a psychiatric facility for compulsory treatment, rather than facing traditional criminal charges in a standard court of law.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Otradnoye Incident

When did the School No. 263 shooting occur?
The tragic incident at School No. 263 in Moscow took place on February 3, 2014.
Who was the perpetrator of the school shooting?
The perpetrator was Sergey Gordeyev (also known as Sergei Gordeev), a 15-year-old student attending the school.
How many people were killed during the incident?
Two individuals were killed: Andrey Kirillov, a geography teacher, and Sergey Buzdnik, a police officer. Another police officer was injured.
Was this the first school shooting in Russia's history?
It is widely considered the first widely reported and significant school shooting in Russia's modern history, marking an unprecedented event for the nation.
What was the legal outcome for Sergey Gordeyev?
Sergey Gordeyev was declared legally insane by a court and was subsequently sent to a psychiatric hospital for compulsory treatment, rather than facing criminal prosecution.
What motivated Sergey Gordeyev's actions?
While complex, reports and investigations suggested motivations that included intense academic pressure and a desire to "test" himself, leading to a nervous breakdown that culminated in the violent acts.