Foreign diplomats in Russia gathered on Saturday to pay their respects at the site of the tragic attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that claimed the lives of 144 individuals. Ambassadors from various countries, including the United States, EU nations, Africa, and Latin America, joined in laying flowers at the Crocus City Hall, where a makeshift memorial has been created by thousands of mourners.
The number of wounded individuals from the attack was reported to be 551, according to the Moscow regional department of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry. The death toll rose to 144 after a severely injured victim passed away in the hospital, as confirmed by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.
The Investigative Committee of Russia stated that 134 of the deceased have been identified, with genetic tests being conducted to identify the remaining victims. An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, although the Kremlin has suggested involvement by Ukraine and the West, a claim vehemently denied by Kyiv.
Nine individuals were detained by Tajikistan's state security service in connection to the attack, while in Russia, nine suspects have faced court proceedings and have been remanded in pre-trial detention. One of the suspects, Lutfulloi Nazrimad, was ordered to remain in custody until at least May 22.
Following the attack, Tajikistan has witnessed an outflow of migrant workers from Moscow back to their home country due to fear and panic among its citizens. The Ministry of Labor, Migration, and Employment in Tajikistan is closely monitoring the situation as more individuals are returning to Tajikistan than leaving.
Russian officials have arrested a total of 11 suspects, including four alleged perpetrators of the attack who appeared in a Moscow court on terrorism charges. Reports indicated that the suspects showed signs of severe beatings, with one appearing barely conscious during the hearing.
Furthermore, the Investigative Committee of Russia announced the detention of another suspect linked to the Crocus City Hall attack on suspicion of involvement in financing the operation. Details regarding the suspect's identity and actions have not been disclosed at this time.
