A group of gunmen attacked a concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow on Friday night, resulting in the death of at least 133 people and injuring over 100, as reported by Russia’s top security agency through state news agencies.
The authorities in Russia have not yet identified the perpetrators of the attack, but U.S. officials suspect that a branch of the Islamic State, known as ISIS-K or Islamic State-Khorasan based in Afghanistan, may be responsible for the incident.
The attack caused explosions and a massive fire at Crocus City Hall, a popular concert venue in Moscow that also houses a shopping mall.
Russian authorities announced on Saturday that they had apprehended the four individuals involved in the mass shooting and arson. Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case regarding the incident, treating it as a terrorist act.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office, emphasized in a video statement that Ukraine had no involvement in the attack.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert on March 7, warning of potential extremist threats targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
A billboard in central Moscow displayed the message “We mourn 22.03.24” on Saturday.
Damage to Crocus City Hall was visible on Saturday morning.
People queued outside a medical facility in Moscow on Saturday to donate blood for the injured.
Crocus City Hall in Moscow was on fire on Friday night.
Gunmen were captured on video walking through the concert hall and shooting at people.
The attack occurred within a vast shopping and entertainment complex on the outskirts of Moscow.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze at the concert hall.
Security personnel guided people outside the concert hall.
