- According to Russian media reports, several gunmen opened fire in a concert hall near Moscow.
- The Russian domestic secret service FSB speaks of more than 60 dead and over 140 injured in the attack at the “Crocus City Hall”.
- Fire broke out in the concert hall after an explosion.
- The terrorist organization Islamic State claimed responsibility for the crime in a message on Telegram.
The Russian Prosecutor General confirmed reports that unknown people wearing camouflage clothing had broken into the Crocus City Hall. The Interfax news agency reports two to five attackers. The victims are said to be both employees and visitors to the “Crocus City Hall” in the city of Krasnogorsk, northwest of Moscow. The Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region speaks of 145 injured and more than 60 dead.
Tass reported an explosion in the hall where a fire had broken out. The fire spread to about a third of the building and almost the entire roof. According to reports, around 100 people were now trapped in the burning house. Rescue and police operations are still ongoing. The perpetrators are apparently on the run.
According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the events “from the first minute”. He also wishes the injured a speedy recovery, said Tass, citing Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.
Government announces aid
Russia’s Central Investigative Committee has opened a case into an alleged terrorist act. Interfax quotes the service as saying that “all necessary measures” will be taken.
The head of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, Valentina Matviyenko, has threatened the masterminds with retaliation. “Those behind this terrible crime will receive the deserved and inevitable punishment,” she wrote on her Telegram channel. At the same time, she announced, the state would do everything it could to help those left behind. The government also announced help.
Security precautions increased
In a statement, the Moscow mayor’s office spoke of a huge tragedy and expressed its condolences to the victims. It canceled all major weekend events. According to the Tass news agency, security measures have been strengthened at the capital’s airports and train stations.
The United States has warned Russia in recent weeks about the possibility of an attack, according to a U.S. official, which the Kremlin has described as a provocation by the West.
IS claims responsibility for the attack
The terrorist organization Islamic State has now claimed responsibility for the attack on the Telegram messaging service. While the Russian authorities have not yet commented on the matter, terror expert Peter Neumann from King’s College in London believes the letter of responsibility is genuine. The White House is also said to have intelligence information that confirms IS claims. Ukraine, meanwhile, is said to have nothing to do with the shooting in Moscow.
