Russia Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow leaves 115 dead, suspects detained
A violent attack on a concert in Moscow on Friday resulted in a high number of casualties. Authorities have apprehended multiple suspects believed to be involved.
The assault unfolded when armed individuals stormed the Crocus City Hall venue, where a concert was underway. Videos circulating online depict gunmen firing on attendees and igniting smoke bombs. Explosives were also reportedly used, causing structural damage and a fire within the building.
Emergency services responded quickly, however, some individuals were initially trapped inside the burning structure. Sadly, the death toll has risen to at least 115.
Officials have detained eleven individuals, four of whom are believed to have been directly involved in the attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and planning behind this tragedy.
The attack follows recent political developments in Russia and comes as the country’s conflict in Ukraine continues. In the wake of this tragedy, Russian special services are still conducting search operations. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all mass events in the capital in the next two days, and several other Russian regions followed suit.
“It has already been established that the terrorist attack was carefully planned. The weapons that the terrorists used had been placed in a cache in advance,” the FSB noted.
The FSB had been pinning the blame on Ukraine, with Russia’s Investigative Committee saying that four suspects were stopped in the Bryansk region of western Russia, “not far from the border with Ukraine.”
They planned to cross the border into Ukraine and “had contacts” there, state news agency Tass said, citing Russia’s FSB.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied any Ukrainian involvement before ISIS claimed responsibility.
“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia). It makes no sense whatsoever,” he said on social media, adding, in part, “There is not the slightest doubt that the events in the Moscow suburbs will contribute to a sharp increase in military propaganda, accelerated militarization, expanded mobilization, and, ultimately, the scaling up of the war. And also to justify manifest genocidal strikes against the civilian population of Ukraine.”
The attack came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin cemented his grip on power in another electoral landslide. The attack was the deadliest in Russia in years and came as the country’s fight in Ukraine dragged into a third year.
Putin has wished all those injured a speedy recovery and praised medical staff, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.
