On the evening of Friday, March 22, in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, unknown persons in camouflage opened fire at people from a machine gun .
According to Russian media, the incident occurred before the start of the concert of the Picnic group. Eyewitnesses said that the man fired from a machine gun and also threw firecrackers. At least 12 killed and 35 wounded were reported.
First, videos were published online showing people hiding from the shooter in a building. It later became known that there could have been two or three attackers. In one of the videos you can see two masked men entering the building and shooting.
Updated at 22:00: Heavy shooting began in Crocus, there are three special forces groups there. At the same time, it is reported that one of the attackers could have been detained.
Updated at 21:55: According to Baza, the terrorists allegedly fled in a white sedan. There may be several armed men in green camouflage suits in the car.
Updated at 21:50: Russian media write that in the parking lot near the concert hall they are checking a mined “suspicious white minibus with old-style Ukrainian license plates,” in which the attackers allegedly could have arrived.
Updated at 21:20: The Russian FSB reported that the attack, according to preliminary data, killed 40 people. The building continues to burn
According to eyewitnesses, Crocus was attacked from three sides by young men in camouflage, some wearing bulletproof vests. Judging by the published videos, they started shooting people on the street.
There could have been up to 6,200 people in the room as the concert sold out. They also write that the guards did not have firearms, only batons and stun guns.
Updated at 20:50: The attackers could have risen from the underground parking, Russian media write. According to other sources, they managed to escape.
Firefighters are extinguishing the roof of the building, and helicopters are also being used to release water.
Updated at 20:40: The “Siren” plan has been introduced in Moscow, police personnel are being assembled for reinforcements. Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo airports, as well as Russian Railways, have strengthened security measures.
Updated at 20:35: Security forces stormed the building. Intelligence services believe that the attackers may remain in Crocus City Hall and prepare for battle.
As a result of the attack, many people died, the bodies were taken out from another exit, writes the Cheka-OGPU.
“We hid in some corner, there was a crush on the escalator, glass doors were broken with hands and feet... You can’t describe all the horror.”
“At least five people, bearded. They act like prepared and trained militants. At the moment of passage to the building, the guards and people standing at the doors were killed. Then the main entrance was blocked. The terrorists are armed with AKM assault rifles. Some carry loads of various ammunition. At least two of the attackers were carrying backpacks, possibly containing Molotov cocktails.”
Updated at 20:00: They write online that the fire is not being extinguished because they are waiting for special forces to arrive. Meanwhile, the roof had already begun to collapse.
Terrorist attacks in Moscow
Let us recall that shortly before the elections in the Russian Federation, a number of countries called on their citizens to leave the country due to the threat of terrorist attacks.
