The Kazan School Shooting: A Day of Tragedy

The Attack

On the morning of May 11, 2021, the peaceful halls of Gymnasium No. 175 in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, became the scene of a horrifying school shooting. The tranquility of a typical school day was shattered between 9:24 and 9:32 a.m. when 19-year-old Ilnaz Galyaviev, a former student of the school, unleashed chaos and terror. Armed with a Hatsan Escort PS Guard semi-automatic shotgun, Galyaviev also carried an improvised explosive device and a knife, though the latter remained unused.

As he approached the school, Galyaviev encountered a security system requiring a card for entry—a measure that momentarily stalled him. However, when a school worker attempted to stop him, Galyaviev opened fire, wounding the worker who managed to sound the panic alarm, alerting both the school and law enforcement. The alarm prompted teachers to lock their classrooms, an act that undoubtedly saved many lives.

Galyaviev moved through the school, shooting at individuals in the hallways and setting off an explosive device on the first floor before moving up to the second floor. There, he reloaded in a restroom and continued his violent spree, tragically taking the lives of two beloved teachers, Venera Aizatova and Elvira Ignatyeva. His rampage reached the third floor, where he entered classroom 310 and murdered seven students, adding to the day's death toll.

In total, Galyaviev fired approximately 30 shots before running out of ammunition. As authorities arrived at 9:33 a.m., he attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended.

The Victims

The attack left nine people dead, including seven eighth-grade students and two teachers. The students—Amir Sh., Alisa G., Damir G., Amir V., Zulfiya G., Amir Z., and Ilziya N.—were all in one classroom. The tragedy extended beyond that day, as one student later committed suicide in its aftermath. In addition to the fatalities, 23 individuals were injured, including 20 students aged 7 to 15 and three adults, with several requiring hospitalization for gunshot wounds.

The Perpetrator: Ilnaz Galyaviev

Born on September 11, 2001, Ilnaz Rinatovich Galyaviev was a 19-year-old former student of Gymnasium No. 175. Despite having no prior criminal record, Galyaviev had been expelled from TISBI, a management academy, in April 2021. On the morning of the attack, he ominously posted a message on Telegram declaring his intent to kill.

Galyaviev's planned attack originally targeted May 6, but a national non-working day delayed his actions until May 11. Psychological evaluations post-arrest revealed a history of cerebral atrophy, although he was not under psychiatric care, and his family noted a recent escalation in his aggression.

Galyaviev legally acquired the shotgun used in the attack just weeks prior and had researched bomb-making online. He constructed two explosive devices, one of which he brought to the school, while the other remained at his apartment.

Legal Proceedings and Trial

Following his arrest, Galyaviev confessed to the murders. On May 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the murder of two or more persons, attempted murder, the manufacture of an explosive device, and intentional damage to property. His trial commenced on November 9, 2022, where evidence presented included video footage confirming his solitary involvement. Despite early reports of insanity, further examinations concluded he was sane at the time of the crime.

On April 13, 2023, Galyaviev was sentenced to life imprisonment in a special regime colony. He expressed plans to write a book and compensate the victims' families, though the latter became a legal obligation as authorities began collecting 23 million rubles from him in January 2025.

Aftermath and Reforms

The attack prompted immediate security measures across Kazan, with school closures and heightened measures implemented city-wide. President Vladimir Putin ordered a review of gun laws, resulting in proposed legislation to restrict firearm access, including raising the minimum age for permits to 21 and enforcing stricter psychological evaluations.

The tragedy also spurred discussions on internet anonymity and the need for tougher regulations to prevent the spread of extremist content.

Remembering the Lost

The Kazan school shooting remains a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities within our institutions and the devastating impact of such violence. As the community continues to heal, the memories of those lost are honored through continued efforts to create safer environments for future generations.

Sources

For a more detailed account and ongoing updates, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Kazan School Shooting.