Gunmen attacked a concert venue at Crocus City Hall in a western suburb of Moscow, killing at least 133 people and injuring over 140, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB). They also set fire to the venue.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation at 15:32 Moscow time (19:32 ICT), over 18 hours after the attack. He described the Crocus City Hall massacre as a “barbaric attack” and announced a national day of mourning for March 24th. Putin mentioned that four suspected gunmen were arrested and claimed that they tried to escape towards Ukraine.
Mykhailo Podolyak, aide to the Ukrainian president, denied Ukraine’s involvement in the attack in a tweet. Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, also stated that Ukraine was not involved in the terrorist attack.
The death toll is still rising as Russian emergency services clear the wreckage of the Crocus City Hall. Many Muscovites are queuing up to donate blood to help the injured.
Photo: Reuters
People are leaving floral tributes at a makeshift shrine near Crocus City Hall and in front of Russian Embassies in other countries.
Floral tribute near Crocus City Hall – Photo: Olga MALTSEVA / AFP
Russia has not yet officially condemned or blamed IS for the attack.
Photo: Amaq News Agency
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, and NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah are among many world leaders and policy makers who condemned the attack on their social media accounts.
At least 133 people were killed and more than 140 wounded when gunmen attacked a packed concert venue at Crocus City Hall, setting fire to the audience.
