Putin Addresses Victims of Deadly Krasnogorsk Attack; Arrests Made
Vladimir Putin has not personally commented on the attack in Krasnogorsk, a suburb of Moscow, which claimed over a hundred lives. Yet, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova has relayed a message from the Russian leader.
10:44 AM EDT, March 23, 2024
During her visit to a hospital treating the attack's victims, Golikova conveyed Putin’s sentiments to the media.
"The President is fully briefed on the patient's health status (those injured in the attack.). He wishes them a quick recovery and has expressed his thanks to the medical staff," reported the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia.
The Krasnogorsk attack: The initial arrests
Just before a concert by the band Piknik was due to start on Friday, armed assailants invaded the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, on Moscow’s outskirts. The attack triggered an explosion and a subsequent fire in the venue.
Footage from the incident quickly surfaced online, displaying masked individuals wielding automatic firearms who systematically and coolly opened fire on the unarmed crowd.
The following day, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation stated that the death toll had climbed to 115, with expectations for it to rise further. The fatalities were primarily due to gunshot wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning from the ensuing fire.
Reportedly, the group of attackers consisted of at least four individuals, with some sources suggesting the number could be as high as 20. They managed to escape the scene. Early on Saturday, there were unofficial reports concerning the detention of the first suspects.
According to Russian sources, the United States had warned of a possible terrorist threat in Moscow as early as March, albeit in general terms without specific details. Remarkably, Russian officials did not publicly acknowledge the American advisory before the tragedy occurred.
