The Russian Investigative Committee has updated the death toll from Friday’s attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow to 115, with emergency services still recovering bodies from the building’s rubble as flames from the assault are brought under control. The Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, announced on Saturday the detention of 11 individuals suspected of involvement in the attack, including four people identified as direct organizers of the assault. The initial claim of responsibility was attributed to the Islamic State group. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
The investigative body noted in a prior statement posted on its Telegram channel that the fatalities were caused by gunshot wounds inflicted by the attackers and by asphyxiation resulting from the fire inside the hall during the incident. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
The committee had previously warned that the death toll could rise in the hours ahead, while the health ministry’s latest bulletin reports that there are currently 80 people hospitalized due to the attack, 13 in critical condition and 25 in serious condition. At least forty individuals required emergency surgery overnight, and eight patients have been discharged in recent hours. [Source: Russian Health Ministry]
Security forces will continue on this Saturday, after the flames have been brought under control, with inspections of the venue and the seizure of physical evidence underway. Investigators are also reviewing footage from the venue’s closed-circuit cameras that captured the gunfire during the attack. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
The authorities confirmed that the attackers used an inflammable liquid to ignite the concert hall while firing at spectators with automatic weapons, which have since been located and seized by the investigators. The flames ultimately contributed to the collapse of part of the venue’s roof. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
As security operations proceed, investigators are organizing a meticulous examination of the scene to collect material evidence and to study every frame captured by surveillance cameras. The effort aims to reconstruct the sequence of events and to identify all parties involved in the attack and its execution. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
In the wake of the assault, authorities are coordinating with emergency responders to document injuries and treatment outcomes, while continuing to monitor hospital conditions and the evolving balance of victims. The investigation remains focused on clarifying the motives and operational details behind this deadly incident. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]
Officials emphasize that the pursuit of those responsible will persist in the days ahead, with the goal of delivering accountability for the casualties and the wide-ranging damage inflicted on a prominent cultural venue. The broader aim is to understand how such a breach of public safety could occur and to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. [Source: Russian Investigative Committee]