Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 23 gave a speech to the nation about the shooting at the Crocus complex that left at least 3 people dead and more than 115 injured.
He criticized 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 mourning on March 24 to commemorate the victims of the attack.
Russian President Putin.
The Russian President also expressed gratitude to response and rescue workers at the scene, law enforcement agencies and ordinary citizens who helped the victims of the attack.
President Putin emphasized that Russia is trying to take measures focused on preventing any similar incidents from happening again.
He declared: “In Moscow and throughout Moscow Oblast, as well as in all regions of the country, additional anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage measures have been applied. What is important now is to prevent those behind this bloodbath from committing new crimes."
The Russian President also mentioned the information previously released by security agencies about the arrest of 11 suspects, including 4 suspects directly involved in the shooting. The attackers were caught running away, he added “on the Ukrainian side, where, according to preliminary data, a border crossing has been prepared.”
He emphasized: “All perpetrators, organizers and masterminds behind this crime will receive fair and inevitable punishment. Whoever they are, whoever guides them. I repeat: We will identify and punish all those behind the terrorists, those who prepared this brutal act, this attack on Russia, on our people."
The Crocus City Hall shopping center 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 just before a concert by Russian rock band Picnic, when the venue, which had an estimated capacity of about 7.500 people, was nearly full. Attackers armed with rifles broke in and opened fire on the audience, then burned the building and fled the scene.
