Politician shot in Moscow attack

Bashir Kodsoyev's car came under fire in Moscow

MOSCOW, Russia -- A member of the Russian parliament has been seriously wounded and his driver killed after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in central Moscow.

Bashir Kodsoyev, who is a member of the Unity Party, which backs President Vladimir Putin, was injured on Wednesday.

He suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and arm, party officials said, and is being treated in hospital.

Party head Boris Grizlov warned against drawing any political connections to the shooting, saying he believed the attack was of a criminal nature.

Police said the unidentified gunmen opened fire on Kodsoyev's passing car from the third floor of a building and escaped. No reason was given for the attack.

Moscow has seen a number of gun attacks on prominent people.

Deputy Mayor Josif Ordzhonikidze was shot and seriously wounded in an attack last December that killed his driver.

Reuters contributed to this report.

The Government of the Russian Federation

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