Russian official blames Navy Yard shootings on 'American exceptionalism'

UPDATE: Mayor Vince Gray confirmed at least 12 dead at Navy Yard, according to the Washington City Paper. Police are seeking two possible gunmen, a white man and a black man in their 40s or 50s. Both are in uniform.

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After gunmen killed multiple people at a Washington D.C. naval base Monday, a Russian official crowed over the casualties, calling the incident a "confirmation of American exceptionalism."

Alexey Pushkov, parliamentary foreign affairs chief, posted several tweets about the tragedy, even though many reports conflict and officials have yet to reveal many of the facts. For instance, although initial reports suggested a lone gunman, officials later suggested there may be three shooters.

Новая стрельба у штаба ВМС в Вашингтоне - одинокий стрелок и 7 трупов. Никто уже не удивлен. Наглядное подтверждение "амер.исключительности"
— Алексей Пушков (@Alexey_Pushkov) September 16, 2013

"A new shootout at Navy headquarters in Washington - a lone gunman and 7 corpses," reads the tweet, according to BuzzFeed. "Nobody’s even surprised anymore. A clear confirmation of American exceptionalism.’”

The USA should part with the notion of American exceptionalism. It contradicts the principles of equal rights and smells of political racism
— Алексей Пушков (@Alexey_Pushkov) September 16, 2013

“The torrent of hate towards us from American citizens is staggering," added Pushkov, following criticism over his initial comments. "One writes: ‘It seems that we (that is, the U.S.) saved you from the Germans during WWII for nothing’!!!”

"Exceptional" Americans! Some of you have just proved that you are really exceptional - first of all, by your level of hatred and animosity.
— Алексей Пушков (@Alexey_Pushkov) September 16, 2013

One shooter is dead at the Washington Navy Yard, a D.C. police chief confirmed. Two other potential shooters were still at large as of 1:30pm ET, apparently wearing military uniforms. A number of D.C.-area schools were in lockdown as police sought others who may be involved.

The number of casualties is unconfirmed, though the Washington Post reported at least seven dead. As many as 10 are reported wounded.

As news of the shooting transpired, so did photos and video of the scene on Twitter, Vine, and Instagram.