OAN’s Sophia Flores
UPDATE 3:30 PM – Friday, March 22, 2024
A mass shooting and explosion was recently reported at one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Russia.
On Friday evening, several gunmen entered Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue, firing their automatic weapons at anyone and anything in sight.
The attackers then proceeded to throw a grenade or incendiary bomb, which ignited a fire in the hall. An eyewitness told the Mash Telegram channel that the horrific attack was conducted by “at least five” “bearded” assailants.
“They act like trained and trained fighters,” the unnamed witness said. “At the moment of entering the building, the guards and people standing at the door were killed. Then they blocked the main entrance.”
“The terrorists are armed with AKM assault rifles,” they continued. “Some carry unloads with various ammunition. At least two of the attackers are carrying backpacks, possibly with molotov cocktails.”
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin referred to the sudden attack as a “great tragedy.”
Russian news agency 112 also reported that at least 40 individuals have been killed and more than 100 have been injured in the aftermath. However, no official numbers on the deaths or injuries have been released.
Additionally, more than 70 ambulance vehicles arrived, tending to those who were injured.
Reportedly, at least one of the gunmen was allegedly arrested, however this claim has not been confirmed by Russian authorities. Several videos on X (Twitter) showed police taking an unnamed man away in handcuffs.
Update: 2:50 P.M.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the mass killings at the popular concert venue in Moscow.
The terrorist organization took responsibility in a statement revealed by an ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram on Friday. The group did not provide evidence to support the claim.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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