US intel warns of potential terrorist threat at gatherings after Moscow attack

PIERRE THOMAS
·1 min read
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Law enforcement officials expressed concern that radicals in the U.S. might respond to ISIS calls for similar attacks in the wake of last month's deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow.

The U.S. intelligence bulletin warns that ISIS operatives worldwide and so-called "lone wolves" might respond to recent statements from the terrorist group touting the attack in Russia and encouraging more attacks on public venues -- even if the individuals are not members of ISIS.

PHOTO: A view of the Crocus City Hall burned after an attack is seen on the western edge of Moscow, on March 23, 2024. (Vitaly Smolnikov/AP)
PHOTO: A view of the Crocus City Hall burned after an attack is seen on the western edge of Moscow, on March 23, 2024. (Vitaly Smolnikov/AP)

Russian investigators said the March 22 attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall killed at least 144 people, including three children, and injured at least 550 others. Nine suspects -- identified as citizens of Tajikistan -- were arrested after gunmen opened fire on concertgoers with automatic weapons and then set a fire that engulfed the complex, according to Russian authorities.

MORE: ISIS claims responsibility in deadly attack on Russia's Crocus City Hall

ISIS released a statement after the attack, claiming their fighters "attacked" a "big gathering for Christians in the Russian Moscow suburb."

PHOTO: New York State Police officer, members of the New York State National Guard and NYPD officers stand guard in a check point to check bags inside the entrance of subway station in New York, on March 7, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters, FILE)
PHOTO: New York State Police officer, members of the New York State National Guard and NYPD officers stand guard in a check point to check bags inside the entrance of subway station in New York, on March 7, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters, FILE)

The U.S. said it shared intelligence with Russia that warned that ISIS was preparing similar attacks on concerts in Moscow weeks before the attack. A State Department official said that the U.S. government had shared information on a possible attack with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding "duty to warn" policy.

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The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a warning on March 7, advising U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings for 48 hours, saying extremists have "imminent plans" to target large-scale gatherings in Moscow.

US intel warns of potential terrorist threat at gatherings after Moscow attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com