Dozens of Russians flocked since dawn Saturday to blood donation centers in Moscow or temporary memorials, still in a state of "shock" after an armed attack on a concert hall that left at least 143 people dead. Under a gray sky and despite the rain, around 150 prospective donors waited in line on a street in front of a specialized center in northwest Moscow. They came to express their solidarity, responding to a call from the authorities despite their statement that they are not currently in need of blood.
Alexandra, a 35-year-old specializing in air logistics, said, "I came to help," seeing it as "a duty for every citizen." She lives near the "Crocus City Hall" concert venue in the capital's suburbs, which was targeted in an attack by gunmen on Friday night, for which the extremist group "ISIS" claimed responsibility. Alexandra confirmed that she remains in a state of "shock" from the attack, stating, "When you see from your balcony" the horrors discussed on television, "you realize it is real, and for me personally it’s a nightmare."
On Saturday, Russian authorities announced the arrest of the four attackers who fired from assault rifles before setting the building ablaze with a flammable substance. Vladislav, an 18-year-old student waiting in line to donate blood, told AFP, "When we see this situation, we cannot remain indifferent; we want to help."
Russian medical authorities announced on Saturday afternoon that they have a "sufficient amount of blood" for the hundreds injured in the attack. According to the Russian news agency TASS, Olga Eichler from the Federal Medical and Biological Agency stated, "But we continue to welcome all donors. We are responding to the wishes of those who come" to help build reserves.
Posters were placed on numerous billboards and at some bus stops in Moscow, showing a candle against a black background with the phrase "We mourn 22/03/2024." Russians also visited the site of "Crocus City Hall" to lay flowers, and its surface appeared black after being partially burned on Friday, according to an AFP reporter. Police and special forces were deployed to the area, and hundreds of rescue workers continued to clear the debris. Maxim, a 37-year-old employee of the ruling party, remarked, "Yesterday was a big tragedy for all of us. We cannot remain indifferent; many of us had friends and relatives there yesterday."
