Christian leaders call for prayer after 100+ dead in Moscow terror attack
By Harold Hutchison
Gunmen attacked a concert venue in Moscow Friday, killing at least 133 people, according to multiple reports.
At least three men dressed in military fatigues and armed with rifles attacked the Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in a suburb of the Russian capital, RIA Novosti reported. An explosion and fire also has been reported, according to New York Times reporter Aric Toler.
“People in camouflage, at least three, burst into the ground floor of Crocus City Hall and opened fire from automatic weapons. There are definitely wounded,” a correspondent from the Russian state-owned agency reported.
Russian authorities said they broke up a planned ISIS attack on a Moscow-area synagogue on Mar. 7. The State Department issued a warning for Americans to avoid large gatherings on Mar. 7.
“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the alert said.
While initial reports indicated at least 12 died, the death toll from the reported attack has now climbed to at least 40, according to Wall Street Journal Chief Foreign Affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov.
“Regardless of whether the direct perpetrators of this crime end up in the hands of justice, alive or dead, it is necessary at all costs to establish the names of those who ordered it and punish them without any mercy,” Democratic Party of Russia Senator Alexander Voloshin told RIA Novosti.
WATCH:
⚡ Slain citizens strewn all across Concert Hall in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/N7zVfVqZpI
— War Watch (@WarWatchs) March 22, 2024
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— War Watch (@WarWatchs) March 22, 2024
Christian leaders including the Rev. Franklin Graham have asked that Christians around the world unite in prayer for those impacted by this horrific act of sheer terror.
“Yesterday’s terror attack in Moscow left at least 133 innocent people dead and injured more than 100,” Graham wrote on X. Many were burned alive. My prayers are with their families. We may disagree with their government’s policies on issues, but there are millions of wonderful people in that country and many great churches. I know these hurting families would appreciate your prayers.
A Muslim terrorist group under the banner of ISIS has claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.”
