Gunmen in camouflage clothing opened fire with automatic weapons on spectators at a concert in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on Friday, killing at least 40 and injuring over 100, according to Russia’s FSB security services.
In one of the bloodiest attacks in Russia in years, at least five gunmen were seen in unverified recordings firing repeatedly at screaming crowds cowering in the concert hall as Soviet-era rock band “Picnic” was due to perform.
The 6,200-seat music hall in a district west of Moscow, near a retail mall known as Crocus City, was sold out for the event. Other camera footage showed the men shooting individuals at the entry sign to Crocus City Hall. Outside the hall, people were seen laying still in pools of blood.
Helicopters were spotted attempting to put out fire and evacuating approximately 100 individuals from the basement, according to Russian media reports. State news agency RIA reported that the venue’s roof was collapsing.
Russian media reported a bomb at the event, and some of the shooters were said to have barricaded themselves inside. The assailants’ identities were not immediately released. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.