According to a RIA Novosti journalist, people broke windows on the ground floor and entered the building from several directions
Shots of gunfire can be heard intermittently in the vicinity. Black smoke is rising over the city hall and fire is pouring out of windows on the first floor.
Earlier, protesters were reported to have clashed with the police, beating them and taking away their shields and helmets. Police have used riot gear, including stun grenades.
Meanwhile, a state of emergency is in effect in Almaty: a curfew is imposed, mass gatherings and strikes are banned, and the sale of weapons, ammunition and alcohol is prohibited.
According to Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, Russia will not interfere in the situation, because it believes that Kazakhstan can handle itself.