Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the arrest of four individuals responsible for a devastating assault on a concert venue in Moscow, resulting in the deaths of at least 133 people and injuries to over 140 others.
The attackers, who opened fire and set the venue ablaze, were apprehended while allegedly attempting to flee to Ukraine. In total, 11 individuals were detained in connection with the incident.
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the attack through its affiliated news agency, Amaq, showcasing an image of the four masked attackers. Russia has yet to respond to this claim.
In a national broadcast, Putin labeled the incident as a “barbaric terrorist act” and echoed Russian security services’ assertions that the assailants had plans to escape to Ukraine, a claim that Ukraine has labeled as “absurd.”
The tragedy unfolded at Crocus City Hall in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk, during a concert by the rock band Picnic, attended by approximately 6,200 individuals. The scene quickly descended into chaos as attackers in camouflage fired at concertgoers, leading to widespread panic and efforts to escape to safety, including to the basement and roof of the venue.
Witnesses recounted the horror of the methodical shooting and the use of petrol bombs that ignited a fire engulfing the concert hall’s roof and facade. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that the attackers used a flammable liquid to set parts of the hall on fire, with victims succumbing to gunshot wounds and inhalation of toxic combustion products.
In the aftermath, a makeshift memorial was established outside the concert hall, with citizens laying flowers and lighting candles in tribute to the victims. A national day of mourning was declared by President Putin, with memorials also appearing outside Russian embassies worldwide. Amidst the tragedy, many continue to search for missing loved ones, expressing feelings of panic and despair.
