- Gunmen stormed a concert hall in Moscow on Friday, killing 40 people and injuring more than 100.
- Earlier this month, the US embassy issued a security alert warning of a potential terror attack.
- Just days ago, Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea as “blackmail” from the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed US warnings about a potential terror incident in Moscow just days before gunmen attacked a concert hall in the city on Friday.
At least 40 people are dead and more than 100 are injured after multiple armed individuals stormed the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, state-run news agency TASS reported, citing Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, which called the incident a “terrorist attack.”
Graphic videos posted to social media are purporting to show the attack unfolding. In some of the footage, gunshots and screams of concertgoers can be heard.
According to Russian state media, the unidentified gunmen were armed with assault rifles and opened fire in the lobby of the building before moving into the main concern hall, where a band was scheduled to perform. It added that an explosion inside the venue sparked the fire, which has engulfed at least a third of the building and spread to the roof.
It’s kind of amazing to me that we gave this warning. To even know something to warn about is a feat of intelligence, amazing on its own. And it’s a generous gesture as Russia is no friend (though saving innocent people is clearly the right move).
For Putin’s part, to ignore such a warning is one thing. But to spit on it and call it blackmail…
Hey Putin. Yeah you. Fuck you, buddy.
It also makes them seem weak if we can get intel about terrorist activity in Russia before they do
Yeah it’s clear from the number of killed Russian generals in precision strikes in Ukraine that Western intel capability far exceeds Russia’s but having been given the heads up, to then ignore it and for the perpetrators to get away is an incredibly weak look for someone who wants to be seen as a strong man.
Yeah Russia are the only ones who know if they already knew on their own. If they didn’t they feel like fools right now.
It may well have been blackmail. We probably offered more precise intelligence if they’d offer some concessions on their invasion. Although I really wouldn’t call it blackmail.