On the evening of March 22, hundreds of people showed up at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in the suburbs of Krasnogorsk, north of Moscow, to watch a performance by the rock band Picnic. Just minutes before the performance began, a group of armed men burst into the concert hall and opened fire.

Russia's TASS news agency said the attack has so far killed at least 60 people and hospitalized 145 people, including 9 people in critical condition.

Then, an explosion occurred in the shopping center building causing a fire. The Moscow Regional Emergency Situations Department said about 1/3 of the Crocus City Hall shopping center was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke. The roof of the building was almost destroyed by fire and partially collapsed.

Rescuers tried to put out the fire at the scene of the shooting. (Photo: TASS)

The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) later claimed to be behind this attack. On the Telegram page, IS said its fighters had "attacked a large gathering... on the outskirts of the Russian capital Moscow." The IS statement added that the attackers had "safely retreated to their base.”

Moscow city authorities have canceled all mass gathering activities this weekend.

Russia called this a "terrorist attack" and called on the international community to condemn the above attack. Russian authorities also immediately opened an investigation into the incident.

Many countries and organizations have condemned the terrorist attack. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack in "the strongest terms". Previously, Guterres also sent his deep condolences to the families of the victims, the people, and the Russian government. He wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The United States sent condolences to the victims of the shooting and said they were trying to gather more information. Speaking to reporters, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated: “Our thoughts are with the victims of this attack. The images are horrifying and difficult to watch.”

In Europe, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized: "The barbarity of the massacre of innocent people in Moscow is unacceptable. The Italian government is strongly against this heinous terrorist act."

The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement, “The images from the terrorist attack in Moscow are horrifying. We express our condolences to the victims and the Russian people.” The ministry's statement also called for an investigation to discover the truth.

Scene of the attack. (Photo: TASS)

Meanwhile, the German Foreign Ministry also expressed condolences to the victims' families and said it was necessary to clarify the cause of the incident soon.

Belarusian Health Minister Aleksandr Hodzhaev announced that Minsk will send doctors and medical supplies to Russia if needed.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the brutal terrorist act and sent his sincere condolences to the Government and people of the Russian Federation, especially the families and friends of the victims.

Cuban National Assembly President Esteban Lazo and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez sent their condolences and wishes to the victims of the attack.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro strongly condemned the "brutal armed attack" against innocent civilians and affirmed that "peace is the only path for humanity."

Maduro pledged to pursue "the fight against violence, terrorism, and hateful statements with increasing frequency in many different contexts on the international stage."

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo also sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing terrorist crimes that cause damage to innocent people.

Bolivian President Luis Arce expressed solidarity and condolences to the Russian people, President Vladimir Putin, and the families of the victims.

Arce emphasized that the international community needs to speak up against this tragic event. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and many other countries also sent similar messages to the Russian Government and people.

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