In a horrifying incident, Moscow's Crocus City Hall, one of Russia's largest shopping and entertainment complexes, was targeted in a deadly attack on Friday evening. Gunmen opened fire and set off explosives, leading to a high death toll and numerous injuries.

According to the Russian Foreign Security Service, at least 40 people have been reported dead, while over 100 others have sustained injuries. The attack has been labeled as a "terrorist attack" by Russia's foreign ministry.

As the situation unfolded, more than 70 ambulance teams rushed to the scene, accompanied by two firefighting helicopters to tackle the spreading fire, which engulfed a significant portion of the building. The roof of Crocus City Hall partially collapsed due to the intensity of the flames, as reported by Russian news agency Interfax.

The attackers, believed to be a group of up to five individuals, stormed the concert hall and launched a hail of gunfire using automatic weapons, according to state news outlet RIA Novosti. Moreover, they also threw a grenade or incendiary bomb, igniting a fire that rapidly spread within the hall, as stated by Russian state media.

The attack at Crocus City Hall has prompted widespread disruption in the region. In Podolsk, located near Moscow, public events have been canceled as a precautionary measure, as confirmed by the head of the district. Additionally, the mayor of Moscow has canceled all sports, cultural, and mass events planned for the weekend.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was immediately informed about the attack and has been receiving constant updates since its onset, according to the Kremlin. However, there has been no official claim of responsibility for the attack thus far.

Ukrainian involvement has been ruled out by an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a post on X, as well as by two pro-Ukrainian Russian military groups who recently undertook a cross-border incursion. The White House, while aware of the incident in Moscow, currently has limited information, according to National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby. Kirby expressed condolences and emphasized the State Department's warning for all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings and stay vigilant.

The deadly attack at Crocus City Hall serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by acts of terrorism. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities and security forces will undoubtedly heighten their efforts to ensure the safety of the public and bring the perpetrators to justice.