Moscow: Russia observed a somber day of mourning on Sunday, lowering flags to half-mast following a harrowing assault at a rock concert venue just outside Moscow. The attack, executed with automatic weapons, stands as the deadliest in Russia in two decades.
President Vladimir Putin decreed a national day of mourning, vowing to apprehend and penalize all responsible for the atrocity, which claimed the lives of 143 individuals, including three children, and left over 150 wounded.
“I express my deep, sincere condolences to all those who lost their loved ones,” declared Putin in an address to the nation on Saturday, marking his initial public remarks on the tragedy. “The whole country and our entire people are grieving with you.”
While the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, Putin refrained from explicitly mentioning the militant group in connection with the attackers. He alleged that the assailants were attempting to flee to Ukraine, insinuating collusion with “the Ukrainian side” in facilitating their escape.
Despite Ukraine’s repeated denials of involvement, Putin attributed the attack to “international terrorism.”
Read More: Crocus Group Pledges Restoration Efforts for Concert Hall Post Tragic Assault
At the Crocus City Hall, a 6,200-seat concert venue outside Moscow, mourners laid flowers in remembrance. The attack unfolded as four armed men stormed the hall just before the Soviet-era rock ensemble, Picnic, was slated to perform their hit “Afraid of Nothing,” unleashing terror with bursts of gunfire upon the unsuspecting crowd.
This incident marked the deadliest assault on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege, underscoring its profound impact akin to a national tragedy.
In a display of solidarity, long queues formed in Moscow as citizens lined up to donate blood. Meanwhile, in Voronezh, citizens paid tribute at a monument commemorating children lost in a World War Two bombing, expressing solidarity with the victims of the Moscow attack.
“We, like the whole country, are with you,” affirmed Alexander Gusev, the governor of the Voronezh region, via the Telegram messaging app.
Swift Justice: Putin Announces Detainment of Attackers
Gunmen involved in the attack were swiftly apprehended, with Putin revealing that 11 individuals, including the assailants, were detained. The perpetrators attempted to evade capture by fleeing towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary findings, arrangements were made for their passage across the border.
Amidst the unfolding crisis, a suspect captured in video footage confessed to his involvement, citing financial incentive as his motive.
“I shot people,” the restrained suspect confessed, implicating monetary gain as his driving force.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, though motives behind targeting Russia at this juncture remain unclear.
The White House reiterated that the planned attack was solely the responsibility of the Islamic State, refuting any Ukrainian involvement.
“There was no Ukrainian involvement whatsoever,” affirmed U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
