Farda Asad oglu Gadirov was born on December 8, 1980, in the village of Dashtapa, near Marneuli, Georgia. He was of Azerbaijani descent. He grew up in a small village and was known to be an unsociable child. Reports describe him as someone who rarely left his home during his brief returns to his village.

At some point in his life, Gadirov moved to Podolsk, Russia. His uncle invited him to help with his business there. However, he returned to Baku, Azerbaijan, for reasons that are not clear.

During his early life, Gadirov seemed to have difficulties connecting with others. His reclusive nature was noted by various people from his home village. Messages found on his mobile phone later referred to himself as a "lone wolf." These messages indicated feelings of isolation and a desire for drastic actions.

On April 30, 2009, Farda Gadirov attacked the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in Baku. He entered the second building of the academy armed with a Makarov pistol. Gadirov first killed a security guard and a cleaner on his way inside. He then began shooting at students and lecturers indiscriminately. Witnesses reported he climbed through the building from the first to the sixth floor while shooting mostly at people's heads.

During his attack, some students tried to stop him, but Gadirov turned his weapon on them as well. After he finished his shooting spree, he barricaded himself in the academy. Police and special forces were called to the scene, blocking off major routes and evacuating the wounded and all the students. Emergency teams transported the injured to hospitals, where many were treated for serious injuries.

In total, Gadirov killed thirteen people, including students and staff members, and wounded many others. After realizing the police were closing in, Gadirov fatally shot himself. The authorities later discovered three cartridge belts and two magazines on his body.

The aftermath of the attack saw many questions raised about how Gadirov, perceived as inexperienced, was able to inflict such harm with his weapon. Investigators took into account various factors and testimonies, but no further serious action could be taken against Gadirov due to his death. This tragic event marked a significant moment in Azerbaijan's history with discussions about safety in educational institutions following the shooting.