23 Mar 2024 | 11:50 AM UTC
Russia: Death toll continues to increase following armed attack at Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow late March 22 /update 5
Death toll continues increasing following armed attack at Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia, late March 22. At least 140 dead, more wounded.
The death toll continues to rise as of March 23 following an armed attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow's Krasnogorsk neighborhood late March 22. The incident began at about 20:00 when four individuals armed with automatic weapons opened fire on concert-goers; the death toll stands at 115 dead and at least 140 more wounded. The attackers also used liquid propellants to set the building on fire. Russian authorities have stated they arrested 11 people in connection with the attack, and that of those, four individuals suspected of carrying out the attack itself were arrested near Russia's border with Ukraine. The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although authorities have not confirmed this. The death toll is likely to increase further in the coming hours and days.
A significant security presence will almost certainly remain in the area and at transportation hubs throughout Moscow into at least March 24. Officials are instructing the public to avoid the vicinity of Crocus City Hall.
Authorities have announced a number of heightened security measures in response to the attack and advised passengers to arrive early at train stations and airports. Enhanced security is in place at all Moscow airports, including Domodedovo Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA); passenger screening and other security measures have also been tightened at railway stations in the Russian capital, as well as on the city's metro rail system. The Red Square in central Moscow is completely cordoned off, with security personnel deployed at the site. Moreover, all large public gatherings in Moscow have been canceled through at least March 24. Local authorities in several regions elsewhere in the country, including the Leningrad, Vologda, and Voronezh oblasts, as well as the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Chechen Republic, have also canceled all public events through the weekend and implemented some degree of increased security out of an abundance of caution.
Strictly avoid the vicinity of the Crocus City Hall. Heed all official advisories concerning movement in and around Moscow. Allow additional time for travel via any of the city's airports. Remain courteous and cooperative if stopped and questioned by law enforcement personnel.
