At least 60 people were killed and 145 others injured when armed men opened fire at a concert hall in a Moscow suburb on Friday night.
Videos captured masked men entering the Crocus City Hall and firing shots, as well as chasing after people and shooting at them. A grenade or incendiary bomb was also reportedly detonated, causing a fire at the venue.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which also claimed the lives of three children. Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov has taken charge of response efforts, with Spetznaz and riot police dispatched to the scene. Law enforcement agents have encircled the concert hall, pushing journalists away from the area.
It is estimated that up to 6,200 people may have been inside the concert hall at the time of the attack. Fortunately, members of the band performing that night were unharmed. The fire has been contained and mostly extinguished, allowing rescuers to enter the auditorium.
The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on terrorism, and President Putin has expressed his wishes for a speedy recovery to the victims. Moscow Mayor has canceled all public events for the weekend and is providing assistance to those affected. Long lines of people have been seen donating blood at a Moscow clinic to help the victims of the tragic event.
