A massive fire is seen over Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on Friday, March 22, 2024. Several gunmen burst into a large concert hall in Moscow and fired automatic weapons into the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people. Days after President Vladimir Putin consolidated his grip on the country in a highly orchestrated electoral district, an apparent terrorist attack set off a massive firestorm. (Sergei Vedyashkin/Moscow News Agency, via AP)
(NewsNation) — The State Department is warning Americans to avoid Russia, reminding the public that Russia is on the “Do Not Travel” list.
The warning was issued after the shooting at Crocus Town Hall in Krasnogorsk, a city near Moscow. Russian authorities are investigating the attack as terrorism.
The attack left 40 people dead and at least 100 injured after gunmen burst into the concert hall and began spraying bullets at attendees. According to Russian media, the roof of the building collapsed due to a fire caused by explosives.
Russian rock band Picnic was performing at the venue, which can accommodate 6,000 people.
The attack came after Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected in a closely controlled election, securing him a six-year term in the role. As Russia continues its long war in Ukraine, the president is cracking down on dissent.
The US government recently warned Americans to avoid crowded places in and around Moscow due to the risk of terrorist attacks.
The State Department has already placed Russia on its “do not travel” list due to the conflict, warning that Russian government restrictions and the closure of the U.S. consulate limit the State Department and U.S. embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens. did.
