Casualty Count Rises to Over 130 After Attack in Moscow

The tragedy at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow has taken an even darker turn. After rescue workers recovered more victims from the rubble of the popular concert hall, the death toll has risen to 133, according to the most recent statement via Telegram from the Moscow Investigative Committee. The committee continues to conduct extensive searches, as it cannot be ruled out that there may be more victims under the debris. The Investigative Committee's report contradicts earlier reports by state media, which had suggested up to 143 fatalities. However, this number had never been officially confirmed. Still in the afternoon of the same day, the Investigative Committee had released a tally of 115 dead and considered the sad possibility that the number of victims could yet rise. The attack occurred on Friday evening as countless visitors anticipated a concert at the event center. The event turned into the scene of a heinous assault as armed attackers entered the building to engage in shootouts and start a fire. Under suspicion of terrorism, the investigation is now intensely focused on the background and motives behind the act. The Russian security forces reacted quickly and arrested four suspected gunmen and seven additional suspects. The domestic intelligence service has taken the detainees into custody while the investigations continue. The city and the country are in shock in the face of the sobering extent of this tragedy.