Death toll rises to 133 people in Moscow rock concert terrorist attack

The death toll in the Moscow rock concert attack has climbed to 133, marking it as one of the most devastating terrorist incidents in Russia in recent memory, according to The New York Times.

Russian authorities have apprehended the four individuals responsible for the assault on Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, where the ’70s rock band Picnic was performing. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, with U.S. officials linking it to the Islamic State in Khorasan (ISIS-K) branch, known for its activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Videos circulated on social media captured the harrowing scenes of the attack, with screams and gunshots echoing inside the venue. Some footage showed wounded victims on the ground amidst the chaos, while others depicted the building consumed by flames, reportedly ignited by the assailants throwing a grenade or an incendiary bomb, as reported by Russian news agency RIA Novosti (via CNN).

Following the attack, Picnic manager Yuri Chernyshevsky confirmed that the band members were unharmed and safely evacuated from the premises. The band issued a statement on their website expressing heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and friends, emphasizing their shock and mourning over the tragic event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning for Sunday. Despite the Islamic State’s claim, Putin accused Ukrainian authorities of facilitating the entry of the four gunmen across the border, vowing to bring all involved to justice. He pledged to identify and punish those responsible for orchestrating the attack, reiterating the determination to hold accountable anyone associated with terrorism.