Russian President declares national mourning

Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 23 addressed the nation about the shooting at the Crocus complex that killed at least 115 people and injured more than 120.

He condemned the attack as a “bloody and barbaric” act of terrorism, pledging to punish all those involved. At the same time, Mr. Putin declared a national day of mourning on March 24 to remember the victims of the attack.

The Russian President also expressed gratitude to first responders, rescuers at the scene, law enforcement agencies and ordinary citizens who helped the victims of the attack.

President Putin stressed that Russia is making efforts to implement measures focused on preventing any similar incidents from happening again.

“In Moscow and throughout the Moscow region, as well as in all regions of the country, additional anti-terrorist and anti-sabotage measures have been introduced. The important thing now is to prevent those behind this bloodbath from committing new crimes,” he said.

The Russian president also referred to the information previously released by the security services about the arrest of 11 suspects, including four who were directly involved in the shooting. He added that the attackers were caught red-handed fleeing “towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a border crossing route has been prepared.”

“All the perpetrators, organizers and masterminds behind this crime will receive just and necessary punishment. Whoever they are, whoever guided them. I repeat: We will identify and punish all those who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared this atrocity, this attack on Russia, on our people,” he stressed.

The Crocus City Hall shopping mall complex, in the town of Krasnogorsk on the western outskirts of Moscow, was attacked by gunmen on the evening of March 22 (local time).

The attack occurred shortly before a concert by Russian rock band Picnic, when the venue, which has an estimated capacity of 7,500, was nearly full. Assailants armed with assault rifles entered and opened fire on the audience, then set the building on fire and fled the scene.

Phuong Anh

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