Gunmen Launch Deadly Terror Attack at Moscow Rock Concert, Leaving Scores Dead and Wounded

Gunmen stormed a rock concert near Moscow, resulting in a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 40 people and left 100 others wounded, authorities confirmed.

This incident marks one of the deadliest terrorist assaults in Russia in recent years.

According to Russian state media, the assailants utilized automatic rifles and potentially hand grenades or incendiary devices as they launched their attack on concert-goers at the Crocus City Hall venue just before a performance by the Russian band Picnic.

The venue was engulfed in flames during the assault, with distressing images depicting heavy smoke and flames emanating from the building. Videos shared online captured the chaos and panic as attendees sought refuge from the gunfire and explosions, either by seeking cover or fleeing in search of safety.

Among the harrowing scenes was footage showing gunmen advancing toward what appeared to be an exit, one of them firing repeatedly into a group of people huddled together in a corner. Social media also circulated images showing the aftermath, with victims lying amid shattered glass.

In response to the attack, authorities evacuated malls in Moscow and St. Petersburg and cancelled public events nationwide.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin labelled the incident a “horrible tragedy,” while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned it as a “bloody terrorist attack.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the attack, although Putin had not publicly addressed the situation at the time of reporting.

The perpetrators behind the attack remain unidentified. Ukraine, embroiled in conflict with Russia, denied any involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s spokesperson emphasized on social media that Ukraine had “nothing to do” with the assault, reiterating that resolutions in the ongoing conflict should be pursued through means other than terrorism.

Earlier warnings from the United States Embassy in Moscow regarding potential extremist threats at large gatherings underscored concerns surrounding such incidents.

The White House National Security Council expressed condolences and stated that efforts were underway to gather more information about the attack. Meanwhile, several countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Iran, France, Serbia, and Turkey, extended official condolences in solidarity with Russia during this tragic time.