Video Summary of the Emergency Incident at Erebuni Plaza Hotel

Approximately three hours ago, a tense situation unfolded at the Erebuni Plaza Hotel located in Republic Square. An unidentified individual opened fire indiscriminately inside the hotel.

According to eyewitnesses, the armed person entered the building demanding to be shown the location of Robert Kocharian's office. The assailant took the elevator to the second floor, after which people inside the building heard gunshots. Those present in the hotel contacted the police to report the emergency situation. Upon receiving the alert, law enforcement agencies, including the police leadership, arrived at the scene immediately.

This was reported from the scene by Ashot Aharonyan, head of the Public Relations and Media Department of the Armenian Police: “The police chief is personally conducting negotiations. At this moment, I can say that the situation is stable and under control, we have taken the gun.” He also noted that preliminary data indicated there were no casualties or hostages. “More detailed circumstances will be checked, we will inform you. According to initial information, it concerns one individual,” Aharonyan mentioned.

Shortly after, police confirmed from the scene that there were no victims or injuries and that they were negotiating with the armed man. Citizens were prohibited from exiting the Erebuni Plaza, and police and emergency service personnel were working at the site.

Reports in the media indicated that the incident took place in the hotel’s café area. Multiple individuals in the building were said to be in a hostage situation on the upper floors. It was primarily reported that the shooter had taken about ten people hostage, but these claims were refuted.

Aurora Media’s correspondent reported live from the scene that the negotiations had been successful and the man had surrendered his weapon. Our colleague noted that parents of children from a nearby kindergarten had gathered in the area, trying to pick up their children. Police did not allow them to approach the scene, assuring them that the children were not in danger and that the situation was under control; they planned to evacuate the children from a different entrance. As soon as negotiations began, the children were brought out of the building.

Auroranews.am published a video showing how the man, identified as Artur Thorosyan, laid down his weapon. A citizen who contacted us shared footage of the entire negotiation process.

After the negotiations, the man was escorted to the police station by the acting police chief in his service vehicle. No citizens were reported injured. The type of weapon used will be determined through examination.

The incident also drew a response from Viktor Soghomonyan, head of Robert Kocharian's office, who stated in an interview with reporters that he was unaware if this matter was connected to Kocharian. “I have no information at all. I know just as much as what is reported in the media. Once it is clarified what the issue was, I will definitely explain,” Soghomonyan said.