Larisa Katolikova, the vice principal of a school in Bryansk, Russia, has been arrested on the grounds of negligence following a deadly shooting that unfolded on Thursday. A 14-year-old student identified as Alina entered the school premises with a pump-action shotgun and proceeded to open fire on her fellow classmates. Tragically, one student lost their life, and five others were left injured before Alina took her own life. The shooter was identified as 13-year-old Maria.
Katolikova’s arrest stems from suspicions that her negligent actions enabled Alina to bring the weapon into the school undetected and carry out the horrific act. If convicted, Katolikova may face up to seven years of imprisonment. The weapon used by Alina was found to belong to her father, Dmitry Afanaskin, who is also under investigation. Authorities are examining both the negligent storage of a weapon and incitement to suicide allegations. It is believed that Alina’s relationship with her father played a significant role in influencing her actions.
Sergey Poddubny, the director of the security firm responsible for the school’s safety, has also been apprehended. Investigators discovered that the security firm failed to install a metal detector on the premises and did not provide adequate supervision to its staff. As a result, Poddubny has been charged with providing services that do not meet safety requirements, resulting in the death of two or more people.
The tragedy in Bryansk has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the grave consequences that can arise when negligence and inadequate security measures converge with access to deadly weapons. As investigations continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Efforts are being made to support the affected students, their families, and the wider school community during this difficult time. School shootings bring to the forefront urgent discussions around mental health support, gun control, and the overall safety of educational institutions. Authorities are expected to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and the entire Bryansk community as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating event. The pursuit of justice, enhanced security measures, and the prioritization of mental health resources are imperative in the collective efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students in schools worldwide.
