Moldova airport shooting suspect in coma, wanted in Tajikstan for abduction

The chief suspect in a shootout in Moldova's main international airport remained in a coma on Saturday and was wanted in his native Tajikistan in connection with the abduction of a bank officer, Moldovan authorities said.

The 43-year-old man grabbed a gun and shot dead two security officers and wounded a civilian on Friday after being denied entry to ex-Soviet Moldova, they said.

Acting Chief Prosecutor Ion Musteata said the suspect, who seized a gun from a security officer, remained unconscious after being wounded in the exchange of fire while being led away to an area for a flight back to Istanbul, from where he had arrived.

Moldovan politician Dragos Galbur said on social media on Friday that the suspect had received some 10 gunshot wounds and had undergone surgery.

Officials said he became agitated while being questioned over his reasons for visiting Moldova. He briefly took hostages before being apprehended.

Musteata said the suspect would be tried in Moldova and face an aggravated murder charge "if he survives". He said initial suppositions that the incident was a "terrorist act" had been abandoned.

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