Armenian Teacher Wounded While Shielding Students During Tragic School Shooting in Russia

A school shooting occurred in Bryansk, Russia, involving a 14-year-old eighth-grade student named Alina who began firing during a biology class. The incident resulted in injuries to five individuals, including two fatalities—Alina, who later took her own life.

The biology teacher during the shooting was Russian-Armenian Ofelia Mkrtchyan, a 26-year-old who displayed remarkable bravery. Witnesses recounted that when the shooting began, Mkrtchyan shielded the children, sustaining injuries in the process. Her swift action potentially prevented more casualties during the distressing event.

Several students expressed gratitude to Mkrtchyan for her courageous actions, noting that her intervention helped prevent a more disastrous outcome. Despite her injuries, Mkrtchyan's instinctive act of protection proved vital in minimizing the tragedy.

The shooter, Alina, obtained a shotgun belonging to her father, concealing the weapon in a pipe to bring it into the school. Reports indicate that the school's metal detector failed to detect the firearm.

Authorities have detained the shooter's parents, particularly focusing on questioning her father. A murder case has been initiated following this disturbing incident.

Mkrtchyan's selfless actions during the chaos underscore the courage exhibited by educators in unforeseen crises. This tragic event raises concerns about school safety measures and highlights the need for vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.