Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a public address, calling the attack a barbaric act of terrorism and vowing to punish the perpetrators. He also accused Ukraine of preparing a “window” to help the suspects escape. Kyiv has staunchly denied any role in the attack.
Russia has arrested 11 people, including all four gunmen suspected of carrying out the attack at a crowded concert venue in a Moscow suburb last night, the head of the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has told Putin.
At least 133 people are now known to have been killed as more bodies were found in the rubble, Russia’s Investigative Committee said this morning. Men in camouflage broke into the concert hall, opened fire, and set the crowded venue ablaze. The death toll is expected to rise.
The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim. U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News that they had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, though no final assessment had been made yet about who was responsible. U.S. Embassy officials issued a warning earlier this month urging people to stay away from large gatherings.