Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attack on a music theatre that murdered over 100 people a “barbaric terrorist act.”
Putin also pledged strong retaliation against all parties 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 said in his first public remarks since the attack.
“All four perpetrators of the terrorist attack who shot and killed people have been detained. They were traveling towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary information, they had a window to cross the border,” the Kremlin leader said.
Russia’s FSB security service stated that earlier the assailants had been “in contact” with people in Ukraine as they tried to flee the country.
No fewer than 115 people were killed by gunmen at Crocus City Hall in a suburb on the northern edge of Moscow on Friday. The concert hall was set ablaze. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State group, but Russian authorities have not mentioned this.
“Terrorists, murderers, and non-humans will face the unenviable fate of retribution and oblivion,” said Putin, who declared Sunday a day of national mourning across Russia.
