At least 40 killed as gunmen open fire at concert venue in Moscow

World

At least 40 people have been killed after gunmen burst into a concert hall in Moscow and fired at the crowd, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service.

The gunmen, wearing combat fatigues, also caused a huge blaze at the Crocus City Hall. Russian media reported the venue’s roof was collapsing.

The attack, which Russian authorities are investigating as terrorism, is Russia’s deadliest in recent years.

More than 100 were wounded, the FSB said.

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Gunmen burst into concert hall

Footage taken inside the auditorium shows up to four gunmen firing automatic weapons as people crouch and hide behind seats.

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A Russian National Guard serviceman in front of Crocus City Hall. Pic: AP
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A Russian National Guard serviceman in front of the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue. Pic: AP

Russian authorities stand guard near the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue. Pic: Reuters
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Russian authorities at the scene. Pic: Reuters

In other videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels, extended rounds of gunfire could be heard while two men with rifles were moving through the venue’s mall.

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Russian news reports said the attackers threw explosives, triggering the massive blaze at the venue, where flames and plumes of black smoke could be seen rising into the air.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the raid.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the attack as a “huge tragedy” and cancelled all mass gatherings scheduled for the weekend.

Russian authorities said security had been tightened at Moscow’s airports and railway stations.

Vehicles of Russian emergency services are parked near the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue following a reported shooting incident, outside Moscow, Russia, March 22, 2024. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
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Emergency service vehicles at the scene. Pic: Reuters

A massive blaze is seen at the Crocus City Hall. Pic: AP
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Thick black smoke rises into the sky from the Crocus City Hall concert venue. Pic: AP

President Vladimir Putin was receiving regular updates about the shooting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

White House national security adviser John Kirby said he could not yet speak about all the details but that “the images are just horrible. And just hard to watch”.

Men cover themselves with blankets near the burning Crocus City Hall. Pic: Reuters
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Men cover themselves with blankets near the burning venue. Pic: Reuters

Russian special operations forces near the Crocus City Hall concert venue. Pic: Reuters
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Russian special operations forces near Crocus City Hall. Pic: Reuters

Mr Kirby said there was “no indication at this time that Ukraine, Ukrainians were involved”.

But Russia said if the US knew for sure Ukraine was not involved then it should share any information it had.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “On what basis do officials in Washington draw any conclusions in the midst of a tragedy about someone’s innocence?”

She said if Washington had information it should be shared and if it had no information it should not be talking in such a way.

It comes days after Mr Putin secured his fifth term as Russia’s president in an electoral landslide.

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