Russian opens fire over mask request

MOSCOW — A gunman opened fire in a Moscow government services center and killed two people Tuesday, reportedly after being told to put on a mask, authorities and Russia media said. Four people were wounded.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Twitter that a suspect was detained. He didn’t offer any details about the assailant or his possible motive.

“Doctors are doing all they can to help those wounded,” the mayor said.

The suspect is a 45-year-old Moscow resident, according to Russian Interior Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk. A 10-year-old girl was among the people wounded, Volk said.

Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said three of the victims were in grave condition.

Citing an unidentified law enforcement source, state news agency Tass reported that the man drew a gun and started firing after an argument with a security guard who asked him to put on a mask because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Masks are mandatory in indoor public places such as the municipal services center, where residents apply for passports, obtain real estate documents and get help with other bureaucratic tasks.