NewsUS Exonerates Ukraine in Moscow Attack; Islamic State Claims Responsibility
US Exonerates Ukraine in Moscow Attack; Islamic State Claims Responsibility
4:34 AM EDT, March 23, 2024
"At this moment, nothing indicates that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved in this shooting," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby announced during a press conference. This statement marked the United States of America's initial response to the events unfolding in Moscow. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack, yet evidence supporting this claim remains absent.
Kirby extended condolences to the victims of the attack. The news from Moscow emerged minutes before the daily White House briefing commenced. "Our thoughts are obviously with the victims of this horrible, horrible attack," he expressed.
The National Security Council spokesperson began the press conference by addressing the events in Moscow, stating that while he couldn't delve into all the details yet, "the images are just horrible."
"It's hard to watch," he added, referencing the recordings circulating on social media for several hours. These videos depicted armed individuals storming into a concert hall on the city's outskirts and firing indiscriminately. At least 72 people died, and more than 140 were injured.
It's important to recall that at the beginning of the month, the US embassy in Moscow issued an advisory cautioning US citizens against congregating in crowded places in Russia due to the potential risk of terrorist acts targeting large gatherings, concerts included.
Last Friday, when John Kirby was questioned about the alert from a few weeks ago, he commented that connecting that general warning to this specific attack was challenging.
Regarding inquiries about whether Washington had any forewarning of the attack, Kirby was unequivocal in his response, stating, "We had no knowledge about this terrible attack."
Later that evening, the Islamic State reiterated its claim of responsibility for the attack, yet, as before, there is no evidence to substantiate this claim.
