Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that all four gunmen responsible for the tragic attack at a concert venue in Moscow have been apprehended. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of at least 133 lives and left over 140 individuals injured as the assailants opened fire and set the building ablaze.
Authorities confirmed a total of 11 individuals were detained, with the four main perpetrators being captured while attempting to cross into Ukraine. The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, although Russia has not officially commented on this claim.
In response to the massacre, President Putin condemned the act as a “barbaric terrorist act” and suggested that the attackers were aiming to escape to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials dismissed these claims as baseless.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of trying to shift blame onto Ukraine, stating that Putin should focus on addressing issues within Russia rather than deflecting attention. In a similar vein, the US National Security Council had reportedly warned Russia about potential attacks at large gatherings earlier in the month, emphasizing the need to combat the common threat of terrorism posed by the IS group.
The tragic events unfolded during a concert at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow’s Krasnogorsk suburb, where concertgoers were targeted by the gunmen. Chaos ensued as attendees tried to flee the violence, with some seeking refuge in the basement or on the roof.
As the nation grapples with this senseless violence, President Putin declared a day of national mourning while citizens paid their respects at makeshift memorials. The global community stands in solidarity with Russia during this difficult time, as messages of condolence pour in from around the world.