Putin calls Moscow attack ‘barbaric terrorist act’; announces day of mourning on March 24.

Russian president Vladimir Putin on Saturday condemned the Moscow attack in which 143 people lost their lives. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday called the Moscow concert hall attack in which 143 people lost their lives a ‘barbaric terrorist act’. He also announced a day of mourning in the country on March 24. “I am speaking to you today in connection with the bloody, barbaric terrorist act, the victims of which were dozens of innocent, peaceful people. … I declare 24 March a day of national mourning,” the Russian President said in a televised address to the nation. At least 143 people were killed after a group of armed men stormed into Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, opened fire, and detonated explosives. Several videos circulating on social media show clouds of smoke and flames rising from the venue. According to the Kremlin, the Russian authorities have arrested 11 people including four suspected gunmen in connection with the shooting rampage, reported Reuters. While the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the massive attack, it did not provide any evidence to support the claim.