Five gunmen dressed in camouflage clothing opened fire with automatic weapons at people at a concert in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, killing at least 14 and wounding scores in one of the worst attacks on Russia in years.
Death tolls are currently being updated rapidly with Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing information from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), saying at least 40 were killed an more than 100 wounded.
Flames leaped into the sky, and plumes of black smoke rose above the venue, Reuters pictures and video showed.
Russian media reported a second blast at the venue and there were reports that some of the gunmen had barricaded themselves somewhere in the building.
The shooting appeared to have begun at a concert of the band “Picnic.”
“Suddenly, there were bangs behind us – shots. A burst of firing – I do not know what,” one witness who asked not to be named told Reuters. “A stampede began, everyone ran to the escalator,” the witness said. “Everyone was screaming, everyone was running.”
The shooting began days after President Vladimir Putin was re-elected for a new six-year term and as Russia is prosecuting a war with Ukraine.
The BRIEF news outlet reported 14 people had been killed. Another media outlet, Baza, later reported that 18 people had been killed and 43 hurt.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said all necessary measures were being taken. It said there had been casualties.
It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were. Russian news agencies said 70 ambulance crews had been sent to the scene.
“A terrible tragedy occurred in the shopping center Crocus City today,” Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. “I am sorry for the loved ones of the victims.”
