A horrific shooting incident at the Crocus City Hall shopping mall and concert complex, situated northwest of Moscow, has claimed the lives of at least 133 people and left over 145 injured on Friday evening, according to reports from Russia’s Federal Security Service.
In the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, gunmen sprayed civilians with bullets just before Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was to perform to a full house at the 6,200-seat the Crocus City Hall just west of the capital.
Officials reported that all four suspects directly involved were among 11 arrested on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes to state media outlet RIA, detailing how chaos erupted just moments before a scheduled concert by Picnic, a popular rock band.
The assailants, dressed in camouflage attire and unmasked, stormed into the venue and began indiscriminately firing at concert goers at point-blank range.
In a horrific turn, the perpetrators proceeded to set the hall ablaze, hurling explosives that ignited a massive inferno, engulfing the sprawling complex.
Disturbing videos circulated on social media platforms depicted thick clouds of black smoke billowing from the structure, which boasts a seating capacity exceeding 6,000.
Russian investigators said the death toll was more than 60. Health officials said about 145 people were wounded, of which about 60 were in critical condition.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was being updated by security chiefs about the situation, including from Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Kremlin said.
This heinous attack marks a grim milestone in Russia’s recent history, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard citizens against such senseless acts of violence.
The timing of the incident, occurring mere days after President Vladimir Putin secured a victory in the presidential elections, has added a layer of complexity and concern to the nation’s collective psyche.
As Russia grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the spotlight now turns to authorities’ response and their efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
Chioma Kalu
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