Russia has detained 11 individuals, including four alleged gunmen, following a deadly shooting that claimed at least 143 lives at a concert venue near Moscow, as announced by the Kremlin.
The militant group Da’ish has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the most lethal in Russia in two decades. However, Russia is investigating a potential Ukrainian involvement despite denials from Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.
The FSB security service reported the capture of the four suspects near the Ukrainian border, noting their connections in Ukraine and their transfer to Moscow for further investigation.
On Telegram, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed that the suspects intended to seek refuge in Ukraine.
A digital memorial reading “We mourn” has been set up opposite the fire-damaged Crocus City Hall concert venue in remembrance of the victims.
Senior Russian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov emphasized the necessity of a definitive military response if Ukraine’s involvement is confirmed.
A video shared by State TV editor Margarita Simonyan shows the interrogation of a suspect, with the death toll reported to have reached 143.
Russia’s Investigative Committee reported a lower initial count of 115 fatalities, with victims dying from gunfire and a subsequent fire, purportedly ignited by the gunmen.
In the chaos, reports emerged of multiple casualties found in various locations within the venue, with some victims discovered embracing their children.
The Kremlin revealed that FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov briefed President Vladimir Putin on arresting the four suspects and ongoing efforts to identify their accomplices.
Read: Daesh Attack at Crocus City Hall: Over 60 Killed in Moscow Concert Shooting
A pursuit in the Bryansk region led to the arrest of two suspects, with two others fleeing into a forest, later captured, according to the Kremlin’s account.
Evidence recovered from the suspects’ vehicle includes a pistol, ammunition, and Tajikistani passports.
One suspect, seen in an interrogation video, claimed he was recruited via Telegram for the attack after arriving from Turkey, offering details of his involvement under duress.
Russia has not yet presented concrete evidence of Ukrainian involvement, while Ukrainian adviser Podolyak firmly denies any connection to the incident.
