In a harrowing attack that unfolded on Friday evening at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, a popular entertainment complex, at least 40 individuals have been confirmed dead and over 100 others injured. Russian authorities are treating the incident as an act of terrorism, marking one of the deadliest assaults on Russian soil in recent history.
The siege began when several gunmen, dressed in combat fatigues, stormed the concert hall, which was packed with fans of the Russian rock band Picnic. With automatic weapons, they fired indiscriminately at the crowd, while also detonating explosives that ignited a massive fire within the venue.
Amid the chaos and subsequent fire that engulfed the building, emergency services, including more than 70 ambulance teams and firefighting helicopters, were dispatched to the scene. Of the injured, at least 115 people, including five children, were hospitalized, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko stated. One child and 60 adults are in serious condition, according to the minister.
The Russian Foreign Security Service and the Moscow Region Governor confirmed the horrific casualty figures that have shocked the nation and prompted an immediate security clampdown across the capital. All large-scale public events in Moscow were canceled for the weekend following mayoral orders, while security was tightened at airports, railway stations, and across the city.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow had, notably, issued a warning on March 7, advising American citizens in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, citing information about “extremists” with “imminent plans” to target such events.
In response to the attack, the Kremlin stated that President Vladimir Putin was informed in the initial minutes and has been kept abreast of developments. Meanwhile, Russian news agencies cited Moscow’s children’s ombudsman reporting that children were among the injured in the attack.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the attack as a “bloody terrorist attack,” calling for a strong international response: “The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!”
The White House, through National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby, echoed sentiments of horror and sorrow, emphasizing the dreadful nature of the images emerging from the scene. Kirby mentioned, “The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack.”
As of now, there has been no claim of responsibility for the atrocity, and the identity or motive of the attackers remains unknown. Investigations continue as Moscow reels from the shock of the violent episode, with authorities focused on rescue efforts and providing care for the wounded.
Relevant articles:
– At least 40 killed, more than 100 wounded in attack on Russia’s Crocus City Hall
– Russia says 40 killed and more than 100 wounded in attack on Moscow concert hall, The Associated Press, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:07:30 GMT
– Moscow concert attack live updates: Dozens reported dead after shooting, NBC News, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 20:24:10 GMT
– At least 40 killed, 100 wounded after terrorists open fire at concert hall in Moscow, The Jerusalem Post, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 20:06:00 GMT