ISIS, the militant group, has asserted responsibility for a tragic shooting assault on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, resulting in the deaths of 115 individuals and leaving over 100 others wounded.
The claim of responsibility came through channels associated with ISIS on social media platforms. However, the group did not furnish any evidence to substantiate its involvement.
According to reports from Russian state media, the attackers utilized automatic firearms and explosives, triggering a fire that caused the partial collapse of the roof of the concert hall, which has a capacity of accommodating up to 6,000 attendees.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office disclosed that individuals clad in camouflage attire forcibly entered Crocus City Hall and commenced shooting prior to the commencement of the concert. Additionally, the state-run news agency RIA Novosti detailed that the gunmen lobbed a grenade or an incendiary device, igniting a fire.
In response, Russian authorities swiftly deployed medical teams, comprising over 70 ambulances, as well as special operations units and the National Guard to the scene. Disturbing footage circulated online depicting the theater engulfed in flames, while emergency response units reportedly rescued around 100 individuals from the premises, with others still trapped inside.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin conveyed via the messaging platform Telegram that all cultural events in the city for the upcoming weekend have been canceled. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed the city’s commitment to providing assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Sobyanin stated, “Today a terrible tragedy occurred in the Crocus City center. My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident.”
The assault unfolded approximately two weeks after the United States embassy in Moscow issued a warning advising against attendance at crowded public events due to the heightened risk of terrorism. This advisory was echoed by the embassies of several other countries.
“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” stated the embassy in a March 7 announcement.
