Death toll from terrorist attack in Russia rises to 60

The death toll rose to 60 in an attack on a famous concert complex near Moscow this Friday (22), according to Russia's Investigative Committee. Another 100 people were injured after gunmen stormed the building with guns and grenades.

The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack in a brief statement published on the group's news profile, Amaq, on Telegram on Friday. The group provided no evidence to support the claim.

Video footage from the site of the attack, the Crocus City Hall concert hall, shows the vast complex, which houses the music venue and a shopping mall, in flames and with smoke billowing into the air.

State news agency RIA Novosti reported that the armed individuals “opened fire with automatic weapons” and “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire.” They then “allegedly fled in a white Renault car,” the news agency said.

State media Russia 24 reported that the building's roof had partially collapsed.

The attack occurred before the musical group Picnic performed, according to Russia 24. The band's manager told state media that the artists were unharmed.

Russia's Prosecutor General's Office said that “unidentified people in camouflage broke into the concert hall and started shooting before the performance began,” according to TASS.

Video footage showed panic as the attack unfolded, with the crowd huddled together, with people shouting and hiding behind cushioned seats as gunshots began to echo in the vast hall.

Images geolocated by CNN show an armed individual starting at least one fire inside the location. The individual is seen carrying something in his hand and as he leaves the screen, a strong flash of light from a large flame is seen in the video.

Regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said everything was being done to save people. A special tactical command team was called to the area and more than 70 ambulance crews and medics helped victims.

Around 100 people were evacuated from the building by firefighters, TASS reported.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called the attack a “terrible tragedy.” “Today a terrible tragedy occurred in the center of Crocus City. My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident,” Sobyanin said in a statement.

Sobyanin said on Telegram that he would cancel all sporting, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend.

According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the attack and is being updated on information about the attack.

US Notice

Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings.

In a speech Tuesday to Russia's federal security agency, Putin called the embassy's warnings about potential terrorist attacks in Moscow “provocative,” saying “these actions resemble open blackmail and the intention to intimidate.” and destabilize our society.”

The US Embassy Moscow said on Friday it was “aware of reports of an ongoing terrorist incident in Crocus” and advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.

Ukraine, which has been involved in a war with Russia for more than two years, has denied having any involvement in the attack.

“Ukraine has never resorted to using terrorist methods,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote, in part, in a post on X. He said he believed Russia would use the attack to justify the ongoing conflict and intensify operations as part of “military propaganda” in Ukraine.