Terrorists have repeatedly targeted crowded places to cause maximum harm. In 2017, Islamic extremists bombed the Manchester Arena in England during an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. Last year, Hamas militants carried out an attack on a music concert in Israel, resulting in the deaths of 364 individuals. Another assault has recently occurred at a music event, this time in Russia. Several suspects have made their initial court appearances in connection to the incident.
The US Embassy in Moscow alerted the Russian government on March 7 about intelligence indicating an imminent attack in the city. Additionally, it advised Americans to depart from the country and steer clear of crowded areas. On March 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly disregarded the warnings issued by the US and its allies regarding the looming threat. Putin claimed that these statements were provocations intended to unsettle his nation. However, the authoritarian leader’s assessment turned out to be incorrect.
Gunmen wearing camouflage attire stormed into Crocus City Hall on March 22 during a performance by the Russian band Picnic. The venue was filled with spectators when the attackers unleashed gunfire using automatic weapons and hurled either a bomb or grenade into the crowd. The assault triggered a fire, leading to the collapse of the concert hall roof. As of March 26, the death toll stood at a minimum of 137 individuals.
On March 22, individuals clad in camouflage entered Crocus City Hall during a Russian band Picnic’s performance. The venue was packed with audience members when the assailants opened fire with automatic weapons and threw either a bomb or grenade into the crowd. This attack sparked a fire, causing the roof of the concert hall to collapse. As of March 26, the confirmed death toll was at least 137 people.
All of the gunmen showed signs of physical abuse while in Russian custody. The Russian authorities identified the individuals as Muhammadsobir Fayzov, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, and Shamsidin Fariduni. During interrogation, at least one of them was subjected to electric shocks. They all exhibited indications of severe beatings. Rachabalizoda had part of his ear severed during the arrest. Fayzov was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair and appeared unconscious, with one of his eyes seemingly missing.
Rachabalizoda and Mirzoyev purportedly confessed to their involvement in the mass killing. They are scheduled to remain in pre-trial detention until late May. While the Russian president has pointed fingers at Ukraine for its alleged involvement, the US has stated that there is no evidence to support such claims.
