The American School of Madrid is on lockdown after a 52-year-old Ukrainian politician was shot dead outside in the upmarket neighbourhood of Pozuelo de Alarcon close to the city centre
A prestigious international school in Madrid is on lockdown after a Ukrainian politician was shot dead this morning outside after he is believed to have dropped off his children.
Andriy Portnov, 52, was gunned down outside the school gates of The American School in the upmarket neighbourhood of Pozuelo de Alarcon a short drive from Madrid city centre around 9.15am. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders who rushed to the scene to try to save him.
A man on a motorbike is said to have been waiting for Mr Portnov outside the school and opened fire on him when he arrived. Police reportedly have said that five bullets were fired and they are now looking for a “tall, thin man”.
Mr Portnov was a Ukrainian lawyer and politician who has been described as pro-Russian. He was added to the US sanctions list in 2021 over allegations that he was involved in corruption in Ukraine, particularly in the judiciary.
The police are investigating the incident after a person reported that there was “a person in the street with gunshot wounds.” And well-placed sources are describing it as an ‘ajuste de cuenta’ – which translates into English as a ‘settling of scores’ or ‘revenge killing.
School chiefs have confirmed all its pupils, teachers and other parents are safe. Local reports say the school is still on lockdown and no-one is currently allowed to leave or enter the educational facility. A statement from the school read: “Police and ambulances are here, and the site is secure. Counsellors are available to assist those who need support. All students are currently in their classrooms and safe. We will keep you informed.”
Several parents who were dropping off their children are understood to have witnessed the shooting. A school receptionist said she was unable to talk on the phone this morning “because she had lots of parents with her.”
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