Free Republic

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed warnings about a potential terror incident in Moscow just days before gunmen attacked a concert hall in the city on Friday. -snip- Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia issued a security alert warning about a potential terror attack in Moscow and urged people to avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates, and be aware of surroundings. "The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours," the March 7...

At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured when five gunmen dressed in camouflage opened fire with automatic weapons at people at a concert in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, in one of the worst such attacks on Russia in years. Flames leapt into the sky and plumes of black smoke rose above the venue, Reuters pictures and video showed. Russian media reported a second blast at the venue and there were reports that some of the gunmen had barricaded themselves somewhere in the building. ... It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were. ...