Moscow, Russia – A tragic incident unfolded at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow, where gunmen in camouflage clothing opened fire during a concert, resulting in a devastating loss of life. The attack, carried out with automatic weapons, claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals and left over 100 others wounded. Authorities identified the attackers as responsible for the appalling violence, which was later claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group via their Telegram channel.
Reports indicated that after the assailants threw explosives, a massive blaze erupted, causing the concert hall’s roof to collapse. Videos shared online captured the horrifying scene with flames engulfing the venue and thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. The incident occurred as thousands gathered for a performance by Picnic, a prominent Russian rock band.
Following the attack, emergency services initiated evacuation procedures, although some individuals remained trapped in the blaze. Local media accounts mentioned the deployment of a helicopter to assist with extinguishing the fire, while the Russian National Guard launched a search for the perpetrators. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed condolences for the victims and announced the cancellation of all mass gatherings for the weekend as a precautionary measure.
Disturbing video footage surfaced on social media, showing armed individuals firing at terrified civilians seeking refuge. The White House National Security Advisor, John Kirby, expressed shock over the incident, lamenting the tragic loss of life and emphasizing solidarity with the affected families.
Amid the chaos, the US embassy in Russia had previously issued warnings about potential extremist threats, urging vigilance in crowded settings. This cautionary alert came shortly after Russia’s Federal Security Service thwarted an attempted attack on a synagogue in Moscow by a cell linked to IS. Although the connection between the incidents remains unclear, the specter of violence continues to loom over the city, prompting heightened security measures and concerns about public safety.