Moscow, Russia – A tragic incident unfolded at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow, Russia, as at least 40 individuals lost their lives and over 100 others sustained injuries during a concert. Gunmen dressed in camouflage attire carried out a harrowing attack with automatic weapons. The Federal Security Service of Russia disclosed the devastating death toll from the assault.
Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the heinous act on their Telegram channel later that night. Reports from various sources and social media accounts indicated a second blast at the scene, with assailants reportedly throwing explosives that led to a massive blaze. The ensuing fire is believed to have caused the concert hall’s roof to collapse, with striking visuals of flames reaching the sky and billowing black smoke captured in video clips.
The concert venue was hosting an event for the renowned Russian rock band, Picnic, which draws large crowds. As attendees were being evacuated, reports surfaced of an unspecified number of individuals trapped inside the blaze, awaiting rescue. A helicopter was summoned to assist in extinguishing the fire, while the Russian National Guard initiated a search for the perpetrators.
In response to the tragedy, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced the cancellation of all mass gatherings for the weekend. Security measures were ramped up at Moscow’s airports and train stations as a precautionary measure. Disturbing videos circulating online depicted armed men firing at helpless civilians, causing chaos and devastation among the crowd gathered at the venue.
White House National Security Advisor John Kirby conveyed profound sorrow over the senseless violence, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the impact on families awaiting news of their loved ones. The US embassy in Russia had previously issued a warning about potential extremist threats in Moscow, underscoring the need for vigilance and caution in public spaces. The incident followed an aborted attack on a synagogue in Moscow by a suspected Islamic State cell, raising concerns about ongoing security challenges in the region.