Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday condemned the attack on a music hall that killed more than 100 people as a “barbaric terrorist act” and promised strong retaliation against all those involved.
In a televised address, Putin stated that all four gunmen had been apprehended before they could cross the border into Ukraine.
“I am speaking to you today in connection with the bloody, barbaric terrorist act, the victims of which were dozens of innocent, peaceful people,” Putin stated in his first public remarks following the incident.
“All four culprits of the terrorist act who fired and killed people have been arrested. They were on their way to Ukraine, where early information indicated they had an opportunity to cross the border,” the Kremlin leader stated.
Russia’s FSB security service previously stated that the perpetrators were “in contact” with people in Ukraine as they attempted to exit the country.
On Friday, armed attackers killed at least 115 people at Crocus City Hall, a district on Moscow’s northern outskirts. The concert venue was set ablaze. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the incident, but Russian officials made no note of it.
“Terrorists, murderers, and non-humans will face the unenviable fate of retribution and oblivion,” said Putin, who declared Sunday a national day of mourning in Russia.