Gunmen have killed at least 40 people and injured more than 100 at a concert in Crocus City Hall, near Moscow, on Friday, as confirmed by Russia’s FSB security service.
Witnesses reported sudden gunfire disrupting the performance of the Soviet-era rock group “Picnic”, leading to chaos and a scramble for safety.
Unverified footage showed the attackers, dressed in camouflage, firing at the audience, with bodies lying outside the venue.
The sold-out event quickly turned into a tragedy, marked by gunfire, a stampede, and an ensuing fire that prompted a massive emergency response, including helicopter evacuations.
The identity and motive of the gunmen (who appeared to be at least five) remain occur.
The United States embassy in Moscow had on March 7, warned of potential “extremists” attacks “over the next 48 hours,” which eventually did not happen.
Moscow Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, expressed his condolences to the families of victims. “I am sorry for the loved ones of the victims,” he said.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the incident as a “bloody terrorist attack.” The Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said, “The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime.
“All efforts are being thrown at saving people,” she assured.
Meanwhile, one of the shooters from the attack has reportedly been arrested.
JUST IN: 🇷🇺 One of the shooters from the attack in Moscow, Russia has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/sXlChdW557
— BRICS (@BRICSinfo) March 22, 2024