Russia is in a state of mourning as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating attack on a music hall just outside Moscow. Gunmen stormed Crocus City Hall, opening fire on unsuspecting concert-goers and detonating explosives, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 137 lives. The attack, believed to be the bloodiest on civilians in over a decade, has left the country in a state of shock and mourning.

The concert, scheduled to feature the rock group Picnic, was about to begin on Friday evening when the massacre occurred. The incident has sent waves of anxiety and fear throughout the country, with people anxiously reaching out to loved ones and acquaintances in Moscow to ensure their safety. The tense atmosphere has led to increased security measures and many people opting to leave the cities.

The grief-stricken citizens of Russia are coming together to honor the victims of the attack. Mourners are visiting Crocus City Hall, which sits just 20 km (12.4 miles) from the Kremlin, to lay flowers, light candles, and leave stuffed toys and balloons in remembrance of those who lost their lives. The devastating event took the lives of at least three children, further deepening the collective sense of sorrow.

Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISKP. Authorities have arrested four suspects, all citizens of Tajikistan, though it remains unconfirmed if they are connected to ISIL. Russia, still reeling from the incident, vows to identify and bring to justice all those responsible for perpetrating and organizing this act of terror.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, a designated day of mourning, President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned the "bloody, barbaric terrorist act" and assured the nation that those involved would face just punishment. President Putin revealed that the suspects had attempted to flee towards Ukraine, signaling a potential connection to the ongoing conflict between the two countries. However, Ukraine has swiftly denied any involvement.

While an investigation is underway, Russia's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the claim of responsibility made by ISIL. Speculation, particularly from figures close to the Kremlin, has pointed towards Ukraine, but no concrete evidence has been presented. Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of the state-owned RT news channel, went so far as to claim the attack was orchestrated by Ukrainians, a statement that Ukraine vehemently denies.

The attack has sparked a backlash against migrant communities in Russia, with Central Asian immigrants and migrant workers from vulnerable backgrounds facing harassment and discrimination. In the aftermath of the attack, police have conducted raids on hostels housing migrant workers, and some Russians have refused to utilize services provided by Tajik taxi drivers.

As the investigation continues, everyday Russians are struggling to make sense of the tragic events. While some believe that ISIL's involvement is likely due to their previous activities in Russia, others question President Putin's priorities, suggesting that he neglected warnings from Western intelligence agencies while focusing on other matters.

The nation is united in grief, grappling with the profound loss incurred by the attack on Crocus City Hall. As Russia mourns the victims, the focus remains on finding justice for those who lost their lives and ensuring the safety of the nation's citizens.