A mass shooting outside Moscow killed 60 and injured 145

A mass shooting outside Moscow killed 60 and injured 145 In a tragic incident that unfolded on Friday night.

A concert hall in a Moscow suburb became the target of a horrifying attack.

A group of armed men unleashed a barrage of gunfire, resulting in the loss of at least 60 lives and leaving 145 others wounded. This devastating incident stands as one of the most lethal attacks Russia has witnessed in recent times.

Putin stated in a televised address that eleven individuals, including the four assailants, had been apprehended. "They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," he said.

Putin confirmed: We apprehended all four gunmen before they could enter Ukraine. 

An online video has surfaced, capturing two individuals wearing masks entering the Crocus City Hall. One of them can be seen firing multiple shots from what appears to be an assault rifle. In a disturbing video, a group of armed men can be seen relentlessly pursuing and shooting at a helpless group of individuals at close range.

During the incident at the concert hall, a state media reporter witnessed a disturbing sequence of events. Following the outbreak of gunfire, an unidentified individual threw a projectile, possibly a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which resulted in a fire.

A video released by the state-run TASS news agency captured a significant fire engulfing Crocus City Hall, approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Moscow's city centre.

According to a post on its Telegram channel, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack later on Friday.

Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of three innocent children, according to the Moscow region branch of Russia's Health Ministry.

After receiving the first reports of the shooting, Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov wasted no time and swiftly made his way to the scene. Taking charge of the situation, he immediately began coordinating response efforts to address the incident.

Spetznaz and riot police units were deployed in response to the incident, as reported by TASS. Later, a video circulated by news outlets captured the scene, revealing law enforcement agents surrounding the concert hall while fire-fighters battled the flames erupting from the building's roof.

According to the state-run RIA Novosti news agency, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev arrived at the scene.

In a recently released video, Sotavision, an independent news outlet, captured a disturbing scene where riot police were seen aggressively confronting journalists and camera crews. The officers can be heard shouting and brandishing their weapons while forcefully pushing the media personnel away from the concert hall where the events were unfolding.

Individuals inside the hall sought refuge on the floor as a means of evading the gunfire. They remained in this position for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before cautiously making their way out.

According to the RIA Novosti news agency, an unidentified reporter from state media stated that several individuals could escape.

According to Russia's Emergency Services Ministry, approximately 100 individuals fled through the theatre basement.

According to the venue's seating plan, it is estimated that around 6,200 individuals were inside the concert hall during the attack.

The band members of Piknik, who will be taking the stage at Crocus City Hall on Friday night, have fortunately escaped unharmed, according to the concert's director.

In the early morning hours, the Russian Emergency Services Ministry announced that the fire had been successfully controlled. According to Governor Vorobyov, the fire had been largely extinguished, and rescue teams had successfully accessed the auditorium.

The Investigative Committee of Russia has recently revealed that it has initiated a criminal terrorism case in response to the incident.

President Putin was promptly informed of the attack, as stated by the Kremlin. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova conveyed the President's well wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded victims, as reported by Russian news agencies.

In response to Friday evening's shooting, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has taken action by issuing orders to assist those impacted. 

Today, a devastating incident unfolded at the Crocus City shopping centre. Expressing his condolences to the victim's loved ones, he mentioned that all public events in the Russian capital had been cancelled for the weekend.

On Saturday morning, a Moscow clinic witnessed the sight of long queues of people eager to donate blood to those injured in the attack.

The White House has described the attack as "terrible" and has stated that, at this time, there is no apparent connection to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Various countries have condemned the attack, including the United Nations, European Union, France, Spain, Italy, etc.

The White House expressed condolences for the victims of the shooting attack, stating that their thoughts are with them during this tragic time. 

French President Emmanuel Macron also showed solidarity with the victims, their loved ones, and the Russian people.

The spokesman for Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Orthodox Church, expressed that he was offering prayers for the souls of the deceased, seeking peace.

Moscow and other Russian cities have experienced previous attacks from Islamist groups, as well as incidents that lacked a clear political motive.