The attack occurred just days after President Vladimir Putin's reelection victory, further solidifying his control over Russia, which he has governed for over two decades.
The Russia Investigative Committee reported on Saturday morning that 115 people had died, with 121 others injured. The death toll from the Crocus City complex attack is expected to rise.
Four suspects involved in the attack were apprehended while attempting to cross into Ukraine.
According to state media RIA Novosti, the weapons used in the attack were pre-prepared in a cache, as reported by the FSB (Security Service).
Following the assault, the attackers planned to escape across the Russian-Ukrainian border, having established contacts on the Ukrainian side.
Ukrainian officials vehemently denied any involvement in the attack, with Mykhailo Podolyak stating that Ukraine "has never resorted to terrorist methods.
" Images of a white Renault car, similar to the one seen outside the hall on the day of the attack, were circulated, showing extensive damage after being stopped on a highway south of Bryansk.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram, although no evidence was provided to support the claim.
Video footage from the scene showed the concert hall complex engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the air.
The armed attackers reportedly opened fire with automatic weapons and threw an incendiary bomb, causing widespread panic and chaos.
The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before the venue's roof partially collapsed. President Putin expressed condolences to the victims and their families and commended the emergency response efforts.
In the aftermath of the attack, world leaders condemned the violence. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman all expressed solidarity with Russia and the victims of the attack.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist attack, emphasizing the need for international solidarity in combating terrorism.
The US had previously issued warnings about potential attacks on large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, and advised citizens to avoid such events.
The State Department reiterated its advisory following the Crocus City Hall attack.
The tragic incident has sparked international outrage and renewed calls for global cooperation in combating terrorism.