On Friday, Moscow's Crocus City Hall became the scene of a horrific terrorist act, shaking the venue on a night slated for entertainment. Crowds had gathered in anticipation of the rock group 'Picnic', but the event took a tragic turn before it could even begin. A group of four to five terrorists, armed with automatic weapons, stormed in and opened reckless fire.
The Crocus City Hall, with its 6,200 seats, was buzzing with excitement for the 'Picnic' performance. But the music was overshadowed by the sound of gunfire, leading to a desperate scramble for life. The attackers spared no one in their line of sight, acting mercilessly. According to news agencies, the attack resulted in 93 fatalities and 145 injuries, with the death toll possibly rising. The Federal Security Service (FSB) chief informed President Putin that 11 individuals, including the four direct assailants, have been detained following the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall.
As concertgoers were finding their seats, the attack unfolded suddenly, with bullets raining down, prompting a chaotic evacuation with every individual darting to safety. The concert space soon echoed with screams and panic as the injured lay bleeding, and the terrorists fired their way out. A video of this terrorist attack has also surfaced.
An eyewitness recounts, 'Sudden blasts from behind were heard. Turning back, there was gunfire. It was happening too fast. Panic ensued, everyone rushing towards the escalators while screams filled the air.'
Assault with a Kalashnikov Rifle
The terrorists wielded notorious automatic Kalashnikov rifles. Police disclosed that the assault was executed using these rifles, known colloquially in Russian as 'Kalash'. First produced in 1974 during the Soviet era, the AK-74 is renowned. Other finds from the scene included jackets, magazines, and casings. The Russian investigation agency has released photos of the rifle and the bullets fired from it.
Explosives Used by Terrorists to Ignite Fire Inside Hall
The terrorists were dressed in bulletproof jackets and possessed explosives, which were used for further assaults post-shooting, leading to a fire outbreak in the hall. The haunting aftermath brings a chill to the spine.
Russia's Gravest Attack Since 2004
This is being cited as the most significant attack on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege by Islamic extremists, who notoriously took over a thousand hostages including many children.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for the Attack
Upon claiming responsibility for the attack, the Islamic State issued a statement via their supposed Telegram channel, boasting that the attackers had successfully returned to their base. However, local media suggest this association might be bogus, and no confirmation has been offered by local entities. Notably, the concert venue is a renowned spot in Moscow, and was attended by nearly 6,200 people that day.
Former Russian President Reacts to the Attack
Russia's former president and current National Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, in a Telegram post, expressed his condolences for the families of the victims. He emphasized that terrorists only understand the language of terror. If the terrorists are from Ukraine, it necessitates dealing with them differently. The perpetrators, identified as assailants, must be hunted down as terrorists and unhesitatingly brought to justice. He invoked the notion of an eye for an eye.
