Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Shooting
School Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Baku, Azerbaijan
TIME PERIOD
April 30, 2009
VICTIMS
13 confirmed
On 30 April 2009, at approximately 9:30 a.m. AZT, a mass shooting occurred at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in Baku, Azerbaijan, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including students, staff, and the Deputy Principal. The assailant, identified as 28-year-old Farda Gadirov, a Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent, began his attack by killing a security guard and a cleaner before indiscriminately shooting students and faculty members as he moved through the building. Gadirov ultimately took his own life as police approached the scene. In total, 13 others were injured, with several in critical condition. Significant evidence recovered from the scene included three cartridge belts and two magazines found on Gadirov's body, and the incident has been classified as a terrorism-related attack. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to analyze the motives behind the attack, which are believed to be thrill-seeking in nature.
Farda Gadirov's motive for the shooting is speculated to be thrill-seeking rather than a specific political or ideological agenda. Some theories suggest that Gadirov may have been influenced by personal grievances or mental health issues, as he was reported to have exhibited erratic behavior prior to the attack. Additionally, there are discussions about potential security lapses at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy that may have contributed to the tragedy.
A Day of Tragedy: The Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Shooting
On the morning of April 30, 2009, a horrific event unfolded at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (ASOA) in Baku, Azerbaijan. At approximately 9:30 a.m., an armed assailant embarked on a deadly rampage through the university's halls, leaving twelve innocent people—students, lecturers, and staff—dead and wounding several others. The perpetrator, identified as 28-year-old Farda Gadirov, a Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent, carried out this massacre before ultimately turning the weapon on himself.
The Scene of the Crime
The scene was chaotic as special forces arrived in two buses, swiftly surrounding the building. The academy had become a site of terror, with reports of hostages being held. Ehsan Zahidov, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that special troops conducted an operation, and eventually, hostages were released. On Gadirov's body, authorities found three cartridge belts capable of holding forty and seventy-one bullets, along with two magazines.
The Rampage
Gadirov's attack began in the second building of the ASOA. He murdered a security guard and a cleaner upon entry, then moved through the building, shooting students and lecturers as he ascended from the first floor to the sixth. Witnesses recounted the horror, with one student attempting to stop him only to be shot in the head. Another witness claimed to have seen two gunmen, leading to initial suspicions of a terrorist plot. Police cordoned off the building as bodies lay scattered across the floors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where most stabilized, though some remained in critical condition.
The Victims
In the aftermath, the Azeri Health Ministry reported thirteen fatalities, including ten wounded. Among those injured were two Sudanese nationals, Moustafa Mohammad and Amrouh Seyid Ahmad, and one Syrian, Daas Muawiya. Tragically, the victims included:
- Emin Abdullayev, 20, student
- Ramiz Abdullayev, 69, Deputy Principal of ASOA
- Jeyhun Aslanov, 21, student
- Tamella Azizova, 58, lecturer
- Ruslan Babashov, 19, student
- Ayaz Baghirov, 21, student
- Yusif Bandaliyev, 20, student
- Ayna Gurbanova, 52, cafeteria worker
- Savalan Jabbarov, 22, student
- Taleh Mammadov, 21, student
- Shafa Mammadova, 31, laboratory assistant
- Majnun Vahidov, 63, associate professor and playwright
- Farda Gadirov, 28, gunman
Investigation and Allegations
The investigation into the shooting invoked Articles 120.2.2, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, and 29, among others, of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, which dealt with deliberate murder and illegal possession of firearms. Shirhan Nadir oglu Aliyev, a fellow villager of Gadirov, was detained as a suspect, but the case against Gadirov was closed after his suicide.
Simultaneously, the investigation cast a shadow on a Georgian citizen of Armenian origin, Mardun Gumashyan, who was accused of orchestrating the attack. Prosecutors claimed he had formed a criminal group, including Gadirov, offering them $50,000 to execute the attack. However, the case was fraught with inconsistencies. Witnesses recanted statements, alleging they were made under duress, and Gumashyan denied knowing Gadirov. Despite an arrest warrant issued through Interpol, Gumashyan was apparently never in hiding, living openly in Georgia.
The Perpetrator
Farda Asad oglu Gadirov was born on December 8, 1980, in the village of Dashtapa near Marneuli. He spent much of his life in Podolsk, Russia, before returning to Baku for reasons unknown. Described by an official from his village as unsociable, Gadirov's mobile phone contained chilling messages. He referred to himself as a "lone wolf," expressing his intent to shoot indiscriminately and experience the "pleasure of killing." Photos of him posing with a pistol, signed "Lone Wolf," were discovered posthumously.
International Reaction
The tragedy reverberated internationally, with fifteen countries and the European Union expressing condolences. Leaders from Belarus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, and the Council of Europe offered their sympathies. The international community condemned the violence and extended support to the victims' families.
Conclusion
The Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting remains a day of sorrow etched in the nation's history. Despite the investigation's complexities and the controversy surrounding the accusations against Gumashyan, the pain of the victims' families endures. As Azerbaijan grapples with the aftermath, the government has pledged financial support to the affected families, and the nation continues to mourn its loss.
Sources
Wikipedia URL: Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting
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Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Shooting
Farda Gadirov opens fire at the ASOA, killing 12 and injuring 13 before committing suicide.
Perpetrator Identified
Authorities identify Farda Gadirov as the shooter, a 28-year-old Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent.
Victims' List Released
Azeri Health Ministry announces the final list of victims, confirming 13 dead and 13 injured.
Financial Assistance Ordered
Azerbaijani President orders financial assistance for families of victims and the wounded.
Court Case Begins
Court begins hearing the case against alleged accomplices of Gadirov, including Mardun Gumashyan.
Commemoration Restrictions
Government restricts public commemoration of the shooting's anniversary, deploying police to the area.
Journalist Arrested
Tofig Yagublu, a journalist who interviewed Gumashyan, is arrested, raising concerns over press freedom.
Third Anniversary Protests
Young people attempt to commemorate victims; police block and beat them.
On 30 April 2009, at approximately 9:30 a.m. AZT, a mass shooting occurred at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in Baku, Azerbaijan, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including students, staff, and the Deputy Principal. The assailant, identified as 28-year-old Farda Gadirov, a Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent, began his attack by killing a security guard and a cleaner before indiscriminately shooting students and faculty members as he moved through the building. Gadirov ultimately took his own life as police approached the scene. In total, 13 others were injured, with several in critical condition. Significant evidence recovered from the scene included three cartridge belts and two magazines found on Gadirov's body, and the incident has been classified as a terrorism-related attack. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to analyze the motives behind the attack, which are believed to be thrill-seeking in nature.
Farda Gadirov's motive for the shooting is speculated to be thrill-seeking rather than a specific political or ideological agenda. Some theories suggest that Gadirov may have been influenced by personal grievances or mental health issues, as he was reported to have exhibited erratic behavior prior to the attack. Additionally, there are discussions about potential security lapses at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy that may have contributed to the tragedy.
A Day of Tragedy: The Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Shooting
On the morning of April 30, 2009, a horrific event unfolded at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (ASOA) in Baku, Azerbaijan. At approximately 9:30 a.m., an armed assailant embarked on a deadly rampage through the university's halls, leaving twelve innocent people—students, lecturers, and staff—dead and wounding several others. The perpetrator, identified as 28-year-old Farda Gadirov, a Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent, carried out this massacre before ultimately turning the weapon on himself.
The Scene of the Crime
The scene was chaotic as special forces arrived in two buses, swiftly surrounding the building. The academy had become a site of terror, with reports of hostages being held. Ehsan Zahidov, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that special troops conducted an operation, and eventually, hostages were released. On Gadirov's body, authorities found three cartridge belts capable of holding forty and seventy-one bullets, along with two magazines.
The Rampage
Gadirov's attack began in the second building of the ASOA. He murdered a security guard and a cleaner upon entry, then moved through the building, shooting students and lecturers as he ascended from the first floor to the sixth. Witnesses recounted the horror, with one student attempting to stop him only to be shot in the head. Another witness claimed to have seen two gunmen, leading to initial suspicions of a terrorist plot. Police cordoned off the building as bodies lay scattered across the floors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where most stabilized, though some remained in critical condition.
The Victims
In the aftermath, the Azeri Health Ministry reported thirteen fatalities, including ten wounded. Among those injured were two Sudanese nationals, Moustafa Mohammad and Amrouh Seyid Ahmad, and one Syrian, Daas Muawiya. Tragically, the victims included:
- Emin Abdullayev, 20, student
- Ramiz Abdullayev, 69, Deputy Principal of ASOA
- Jeyhun Aslanov, 21, student
- Tamella Azizova, 58, lecturer
- Ruslan Babashov, 19, student
- Ayaz Baghirov, 21, student
- Yusif Bandaliyev, 20, student
- Ayna Gurbanova, 52, cafeteria worker
- Savalan Jabbarov, 22, student
- Taleh Mammadov, 21, student
- Shafa Mammadova, 31, laboratory assistant
- Majnun Vahidov, 63, associate professor and playwright
- Farda Gadirov, 28, gunman
Investigation and Allegations
The investigation into the shooting invoked Articles 120.2.2, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, and 29, among others, of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, which dealt with deliberate murder and illegal possession of firearms. Shirhan Nadir oglu Aliyev, a fellow villager of Gadirov, was detained as a suspect, but the case against Gadirov was closed after his suicide.
Simultaneously, the investigation cast a shadow on a Georgian citizen of Armenian origin, Mardun Gumashyan, who was accused of orchestrating the attack. Prosecutors claimed he had formed a criminal group, including Gadirov, offering them $50,000 to execute the attack. However, the case was fraught with inconsistencies. Witnesses recanted statements, alleging they were made under duress, and Gumashyan denied knowing Gadirov. Despite an arrest warrant issued through Interpol, Gumashyan was apparently never in hiding, living openly in Georgia.
The Perpetrator
Farda Asad oglu Gadirov was born on December 8, 1980, in the village of Dashtapa near Marneuli. He spent much of his life in Podolsk, Russia, before returning to Baku for reasons unknown. Described by an official from his village as unsociable, Gadirov's mobile phone contained chilling messages. He referred to himself as a "lone wolf," expressing his intent to shoot indiscriminately and experience the "pleasure of killing." Photos of him posing with a pistol, signed "Lone Wolf," were discovered posthumously.
International Reaction
The tragedy reverberated internationally, with fifteen countries and the European Union expressing condolences. Leaders from Belarus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, and the Council of Europe offered their sympathies. The international community condemned the violence and extended support to the victims' families.
Conclusion
The Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting remains a day of sorrow etched in the nation's history. Despite the investigation's complexities and the controversy surrounding the accusations against Gumashyan, the pain of the victims' families endures. As Azerbaijan grapples with the aftermath, the government has pledged financial support to the affected families, and the nation continues to mourn its loss.
Sources
Wikipedia URL: Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Shooting
Farda Gadirov opens fire at the ASOA, killing 12 and injuring 13 before committing suicide.
Perpetrator Identified
Authorities identify Farda Gadirov as the shooter, a 28-year-old Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent.
Victims' List Released
Azeri Health Ministry announces the final list of victims, confirming 13 dead and 13 injured.
Financial Assistance Ordered
Azerbaijani President orders financial assistance for families of victims and the wounded.
Court Case Begins
Court begins hearing the case against alleged accomplices of Gadirov, including Mardun Gumashyan.
Commemoration Restrictions
Government restricts public commemoration of the shooting's anniversary, deploying police to the area.
Journalist Arrested
Tofig Yagublu, a journalist who interviewed Gumashyan, is arrested, raising concerns over press freedom.
Third Anniversary Protests
Young people attempt to commemorate victims; police block and beat them.