On Friday, March 22, 2024, Russia experienced the deadliest attack in at least two decades. Four gunmen, who were migrant workers in Russia, entered Crocus City Concert Hall during an ongoing rock concert and opened fire upon civilians. After the attack, the gunman had used explosives to light the Concert Hall on fire, which resulted in part of the roof collapsing.
The four gunmen, who were wearing camouflage, entered through the ground floor which is where the attack first took place.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 137 people have been killed, more than 100 have been injured, and 93 are currently being hospitalized. Reporters are saying that the death toll will continue to rise as rescue workers and dogs continue to dig under the rubble.
Eleven people have been detained in connection with the attack, including the four gunmen who have shown signs of severe beatings and exhaustion as they have entered court in Moscow leaving questions as to if they are speaking freely.
Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32; Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30; Shamsidin Fariduni, 25; and Mukhammadsobir Faizov, 19, have been charged with the terrorist attack, which carries the maximum sentence of life in prison. 2 out of the 4 have shown and plead guilty.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has been quick to say that he believes Ukraine has an involvement in this attack, however, the terrorist organization ISIS takes full responsibility for the heinous act. Ukraine has come forward and denied any involvement and stated that there is no evidence connecting them to the shooting. Russian investigators have not disclosed any evidence showing that the four gunmen, who are from Tajikistan, have any connection with Ukraine.
Three days before this attack the United States warned Putin about a possible terrorist threat, however Putin addressed the board at Russia’s internal intelligence service and said that the U.S Embassy’s warning was an attempt to “destabilize” the country and was using it as blackmail. CNN National Security Analyst, Beth Sanner, states that Putin may have ignored this warning because he didn’t think America would do something to help them.
Citizens joined for a memorial dedicated to the victims of this attack, laying flowers right outside the Concert Hall where the four suspects entered, on Sunday March 24,2024. Russian citizens filled lines to donate blood for the injured victims, they now have enough blood to last them four to six months.
After Palm Sunday mass, Pope Francis sent prayers and love for the victims and their families. People all over the world are heartbroken and devastated over this tragedy and continue to keep these victims in their prayers.
