Islam, a 15-year-old footballer from Spartak’s youth squad, recounts his actions during the Crocus City Hall attack
Islam, a young football player from the Spartak children’s team, also works part-time in a cloakroom at Crocus. He spoke about the moments during the terrorist attack that shook the mall and the city. His account, shared with Sports Express, highlights how a teenager found himself thrust into a crisis far beyond his years.
At the start of the incident, Islam was on the first floor near the escalators when gunfire pierced the quiet. For a breathless moment, the sounds seemed like a malfunction or a technical hiccup. The reality soon became clear: a deliberate attack had begun. People around him panicked, some freezing in place, others scattering in different directions. The teen remained calm enough to assess the danger and identify the safest path for evacuation.
In the hours that followed, Crocus employees and patrons alike faced a brutal test. A week before the attack, Islam and his colleagues had been warned of a potential threat to the mall. Those precautions, though unsettling, prepared him to act decisively when danger materialized. Islam stepped into a leadership role, guiding crowds away from danger and slowing down those who rushed without a plan. He redirected travelers who veered toward unsafe routes and steadied those who hesitated, offering reassurance and practical guidance in the chaos.
His efforts paid off in a tangible way. Islam reports that he helped shepherd more than a hundred people to safety, creating a corridor of exit and keeping everyone moving toward secure areas. The situation was rapidly changing, but the teenager did not waver. He stayed with the Group, coordinating with others and maintaining order until help could arrive and safe routes could be confirmed. His actions reflect a calm, instinctive response that helped reduce potential harm in a moment when fear could easily overwhelm better judgment.
The evening at Crocus City Hall grew increasingly dire. Early reports described shots fired, followed by a blaze set by the attackers, intensifying the danger for everyone inside. Preliminary information noted a significant number of injuries, with more than one hundred people affected as the situation unfolded. The planned concert by the Piknik group, scheduled to occur that night, was overshadowed by the crisis, and the entire venue had to pivot from celebration to urgent evacuation and emergency response.
Beyond the immediate chaos, the event had broader implications for those connected to Crocus. Rumors and later reports included mentions that Brazilian RPL players, among others, were frightened by the attack. The incident left a lasting impression on the community, highlighting how unexpected violence can touch athletes, staff, fans, and families in equal measure. The story of Islam’s bravery stands alongside official accounts of the response, underscoring the human capacity for courage under pressure and the importance of preparedness in public spaces.
In reflection, the Crocus episode serves as a reminder that safety in public venues depends on vigilance, clear training, and the willingness of individuals to act when danger looms. Islam’s actions demonstrate how leadership can emerge in crisis, guiding people toward safety and providing a human thread of hope amid fear. The memories of that night continue to influence the attitudes and responses of staff and visitors who rely on such training to protect themselves and others in the face of danger. The event remains a stark example of how communities rally, support one another, and rebuild in the wake of violence. [Source attribution: Sports Express report on Islam at Crocus City Hall]