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UPDATE @ 10:34PM: New grim totals of victims in the attack have been updated to 60 deaths and nearly 150 injured.
UPDATE @ 5:58PM EST: CNN is reporting that ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
UPDATE @ 3:23PM EST: Russian media has confirmed that 40 people were killed and over 100 have been injured. There are also unconfirmed reports that one of the suspects has been detained.
Original Story:
A violent attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow, involving up to five gunmen in camouflage outfits. They fired automatic weapons at attendees, causing an unspecified number of deaths and injuries. Russian news outlets are reporting at least 40 killed.
‼️🇷🇺 BREAKING NEWS Four armed and equipped terrorists are firing automatic fire at visitors in the Crocus City Hall concert hall. #terrorists #Moscow pic.twitter.com/acOOPBiRFC
— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) March 22, 2024
The aftermath was chaotic, with 50 ambulance crews dispatched to the scene, and videos circulating online depicted flames and smoke emanating from the venue, alongside the distressing sight of civilians, including women, being targeted and many lying motionless in blood.
The attackers shoot a crowd of people. The video shows at least 4 people with guns #CrocusCityHall #Moscow #Russia pic.twitter.com/iEfPRC2mdb
— WorldNews (@FirstWorldNewss) March 22, 2024
The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed condolences and promised support for the victims. The police and emergency services quickly responded to the crisis, with ongoing concerns for people trapped inside. This attack came after the U.S. embassy’s warning of potential extremist threats in Moscow, closely following the FSB’s report of thwarting an Islamic State plot against a synagogue.
Russia: At least 3 gunmen in military camoflague armed with assault rifles have opened fire in a north west Moscow shopping centre named Crocus City Hall. At least 20 killed. pic.twitter.com/JmJ0dFAeyO
— Vexwift (@vexwift) March 22, 2024
Crocus City Hall in Moscow right now
— ahmmm (@workinonittt) March 22, 2024
Reports that more than 100 people are trapped by the fire following the terrоrist attack#Moscow #Russia pic.twitter.com/upfuLHdFaF
This is a developing story.