Egyptian bystander killed in PM convoy shooting

Five men shoot birdshot at convoy during traffic argument in Cairo, not realizing it is premier Hesham Kandil’s motorcade

CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian police officials say a bystander returning home after visiting his aunt was killed in a shootout involving the prime minister’s convoy.

The incident occurred late Sunday when five men in a pickup truck fired birdshot at the convoy during a traffic argument on a Cairo bridge, not realizing the vehicles were part of Prime Minister Hesham Kandil’s motorcade.

Police officials say motorist Taha Sayed Hassan was hit by the birdshot. They say he died of his wounds Monday.

The prime minister’s convoy had also fired warning shots to try and force the pickup out of the way. The five men are under arrest pending investigation.

Cabinet spokesman Alaa el-Hadidi and police officials, speaking anonymously in line with regulations, say the incident was not politically motivated.