Russian media reported on Friday evening that at least 40 people were killed in an armed attack on the Crocus city hall venue in the capital, Moscow.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed casualties in the shooting. "A terrible tragedy occurred today at Crocus City. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" following the deadly shooting attack.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Telegram, "The entire international community must condemn this heinous crime."

The White House expressed its condolences following the attack which it described as "terrible" adding that it was trying to get more information.

"Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible shooting attack," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. "The images are just horrible and just hard to watch."

The White House added it had no initial indication that Ukraine was involved in a "terrible" attack.”

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