The U.S. Strongly Condemns Deadly Terrorist Attack in Suburban Moscow

On Saturday, April 4, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a brief statement condemning the "deadly terrorist attack" that occurred on Friday, April 3, in Moscow. He expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this "heinous crime," stating, "We condemn terrorism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in mourning the loss of life from this horrific event." An unnamed U.S. official stated on Friday that the United States has information confirming ISIS's claim of responsibility for the attack. According to him, Washington had appropriately warned about the possibility of such an attack on Moscow in recent weeks, but he did not provide further details. The deadly attack on Friday occurred 20 kilometers from the Kremlin, two weeks after the U.S. Embassy in Moscow warned of a plan by "extremists" to carry out an attack in Moscow. Hours before the U.S. Embassy's warning, the Russian Federal Security Service reported thwarting a plan for an attack on a synagogue in Moscow by ISIS's Khorasan branch. On Saturday, ISIS released a photo on its Telegram channel of four individuals it claims were responsible for the attack on Friday. According to ISIS's statement, the group was armed with grenades, explosives, firearms, and knives. ISIS added that three of the four attackers opened fire on attendees at the concert hall, while the fourth used explosives. Despite ISIS claiming responsibility for the attack and Ukraine denying any connection to it, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, attempted to link the attack to Kyiv. In a speech to the Russian people, Putin claimed the attackers were trying to flee to Ukraine. He stated that initial information indicated that individuals in Ukraine were prepared to assist the attackers in crossing from Russia into their territory. The Russian President announced that all attackers had been arrested and that their instigators and accomplices would be punished. He declared Sunday, April 5, a day of national mourning across Russia. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that "all four terrorists" were arrested while attempting to flee towards the Ukrainian border. This Russian intelligence agency claimed that the four were in contact with individuals in Ukraine and have now been transferred to Moscow. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, also claimed that it is now clear in which country these individuals intended to hide. A Russian lawmaker named Andrei Kartapolov stated that if Ukraine was involved in this attack, Russia should respond "appropriately, clearly, and tangibly" on the battlefield. A review of some reactions to the deadly attack in Moscow: The United Nations Security Council: Members of the Security Council condemned the "shameful and cowardly terrorist attack" at a concert hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow in a statement. They emphasized the "need to hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and supporters of these reprehensible terrorist acts and to prosecute them." Ukraine: Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian presidency, stated, "Let’s be honest: Ukraine has absolutely no connection to these attacks." He added, "We are in an all-out war with the regular Russian army and with the Russian Federation as a country, and regardless of anything, all issues will be decided on the battlefield." Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, expressed her condolences to the victims of this "nightmare" on social media, stating, "All those involved in this crime must be found and prosecuted." Britain: David Cameron, the British Foreign Secretary, stated that his country strongly condemns this "deadly terrorist attack." He expressed condolences to the victims of the incident, saying, "Nothing can ever justify such horrific violence." France: President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned "this terrorist attack for which ISIS has claimed responsibility" and expressed solidarity with the victims and the people of Russia. The French Foreign Ministry described the images of the deadly attack in Moscow as "horrific" and expressed condolences to the victims and the people of Russia. According to the French Foreign Ministry's statement, the identities of the perpetrators of these "abhorrent acts" must be made clear to the world. Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the "horrific terrorist attack" in Moscow and expressed condolences to the victims' families. The German Foreign Ministry also described the images of the victims of the Moscow attack as "horrific" and emphasized the need for a swift investigation and clarification regarding it. The German diplomatic service also expressed its condolences to the victims of this attack. Italy: Georgia Meloni, the Italian Foreign Minister, reacted to the deadly attack in Moscow, stating, "The horror of the slaughter of innocent civilians in Moscow is unacceptable." She said the Italian government firmly condemns this "heinous terrorist act." China: President Xi Jinping sent a message to Vladimir Putin expressing condolences for the "deadly terrorist attack" in Moscow and sympathizing with the families of the victims. In this message, the Chinese President stated that his country supports "the efforts of the Russian government to maintain national security and stability." India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" in Moscow and expressed condolences to the victims' families. He stated that India stands with the Russian government and people during these mourning moments. The Islamic Republic: President Ebrahim Raisi sent a message to Vladimir Putin expressing condolences for the "terrorist incident" in Moscow. According to the official IRNA news agency, he expressed support for the efforts of Russian officials to maintain the national security of the country. Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Cuba are among other countries that condemned the deadly attack in Moscow. The Kremlin announced on Saturday, April 4, that 11 individuals, including four armed suspects linked to the deadly shooting on the night of Friday, April 3, at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, had been arrested. According to Reuters, the death toll from this attack has reached at least 143 individuals.