​100 injured and “at least 40” killed in violent attack on Moscow music venue

At least 40 people have been killed and 100 wounded in a violent armed attack on a music venue in Moscow, Russian intelligence has confirmed (via BBC).

The suspected terror attack happened this evening (March 22) at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow, during a performance by the rock band Picnic.

At least four gunmen dressed in camouflage opened fire at the venue, the BBC reports. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called the incident a “terrorist attack”. Special police forces are now on the scene.

The venue’s roof is currently ablaze and collapsing, according to Russian state news, which is also reporting that some are still thought to be inside the venue. 6,200 tickets were sold for the event this evening.

In video footage posted to social media verified by the BBC, panicked attendees can be seen screaming and taking cover amidst gunfire and explosions.

It’s not currently known who is responsible for the attacks. According to the Associated Press, the Investigative Committee, Russia’s top investigative agency, has said that it is currently treating the events as a terrorist attack. Investigations are ongoing.

We’ll report more on this story as it unfolds.

[Via BBC]