An assassination attempt has been carried out against Lieutenant General of Russia’s Defense Ministry Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow.

“All the floor was covered in blood, even the elevator hall,” residents of the apartment building where an assassination attempt was carried out against Alekseyev said, describing the dramatic moments surrounding the attack, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

According to eyewitnesses, the shooting took place on the stairwell of a residential building on Volokolamskoye Highway as the general was leaving his apartment. Residents reported hearing gunshots followed by cries for help. Moments later, they saw Alekseyev covered in blood; he reportedly remained conscious for some time. One neighbor was heard shouting for an ambulance to be called.

Alekseyev is now in critical condition following the attack, with doctors currently fighting for his life.

Reports say the assailant fired three shots at Alekseyev early in the morning inside the building. The assassination attempt occurred as the officer was exiting his apartment on the 24th floor, prompting an immediate emergency response and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the attack.

Russian authorities have opened a criminal case on charges of attempted murder and illegal trafficking of weapons. Law enforcement agencies are continuing an active search for the suspect as the investigation into the circumstances of the attack remains underway.