Moscow Concert Hall Attack: The fire soon spread across the Crocus City concert hall in the Krasnogorsk region to the north of the Russian capital. The hall can accommodate the seating of several thousand people and has hosted prominent international acts.
Authorities began a “terrorist” inquiry, and President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, informed Russian news media that he was receiving “constant” updates on the attack.
Telegram news channels Baza and Mash, which are close to security personnel, broadcast video footage of flames and black smoke pouring from the hall.
Other photographs showed two males walking through the hall, leaving at least one person on the ground at the door. Audiences were also spotted hiding behind seats or attempting to flee.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin declared a “tragedy” during the concert by Russian rock band Piknik and cancelled all public events for the weekend.
According to security sources published by Interfax news agency, two to five people “wearing tactical uniforms and carrying automatic weapons” opened fire on guards at the entrance before firing at the audience.
“People who were in the hall were led on the ground to protect themselves from the shooting for 15 or 20 minutes,” the RIA Novosti journalist said. When the journalist declared that it was safe, people began moving out.
Similar attacks to Moscow Concert Hall Attack
Previous Islamist attacks have targeted Moscow and other Russian cities. However, there have also been events with no clear political motive.
The US embassy in Russia issued a warning earlier this month. It states that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” which includes concerts.
In 2002, Chechen separatist terrorists kidnapped 912 people in the Dobrovka theatre in Moscow. They demanded that Russian forces leave the region.
Special troops attacked the theatre to put an end to the hostage situation. The gunman killed 130 individuals, all of whom were smothered by gas deployed by security forces to knock out gunman.
Russia initiated a military invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, and anti-Kremlin troops have attacked the country along its borders.
Ukraine’s presidency and the Freedom of Russia Legion, whose warriors are members of Ukraine’s military forces, denied any involvement in the music hall attack.
