Vice President Kamala Harris said there is no evidence that Ukraine was involved in an attack on a Moscow concert hall that left at least 137 people dead. Asked by ABC’s Rachel Scott if Russian President Vladimir Putin’s accusations against Ukraine could contain some truth, the Vice President said no, there is no evidence “whatsoever” that the country was involved.
In a speech following the attack, Putin said the perpetrators, who authorities subsequently detained, were moving toward Ukraine after fleeing the scene, and “a passage was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vehemently denied any involvement.
The incident happened at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 when gunmen entered the concert arena and opened fire. The Islamic State terror group subsequently claimed responsibility, and Russian authorities have made several arrests. Countries across Europe raised their terror alert threat, and both France and Britain said they would remain vigilant.
Following the atrocity, the gunmen fled the scene, chased by police. Four suspects appeared in a Moscow courtroom on Sunday night, March 24, accused of carrying out the shootings and setting the building on fire with concertgoers still inside.
The men, who had bruised faces, were identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov. All are reportedly natives of the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan and living in Russia on work visas. Three of the four pleaded guilty, but the fourth, pictured looking unresponsive in a wheelchair in the courtroom, did not enter a clear plea.
Early in March, US intelligence services warned Russia that an ISIS attack was imminent, but reports suggest that Vladimir Putin did not heed the warning, which experts suggest could have embarrassing implications for the long-term Russian leader.
American intelligence agencies stated that an ISIS offshoot known as ISIS-K “sees Russia as being complicit in activities that regularly oppress Muslims” and was determined to attack Moscow.
