Russia marked a national day of mourning on Sunday due to the death toll from the attack at the Moscow concert hall exceeding 130, and many residents still waiting for news about their missing loved ones.
On Sunday, activities at cultural institutions were called off, flags were raised at half-staff, and entertainment and advertising on television were halted, as reported by The Associated Press (AP) citing Russian state news.
Many gathered at the concert hall, bringing flowers and teddy bears to grieve for the victims and creating a makeshift memorial, as per the AP's report.
The day of mourning comes two days after Moscow experienced its deadliest act of terrorism in more than a decade. Multiple gunmen fired into a crowded concert hall in Moscow, killing at least 137 people, according to the latest death count.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said three gunmen wearing camouflage using automatic weapons can be seen in video footage from the concert hall.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, and U.S. agencies have confirmed the Islamic State was responsible for the attack, the AP reported, citing a U.S. intelligence official on Saturday.
Russian authorities said they have detained 11 people connected to the incident, including four directly involved. Russian President Vladimir Putin has tried to blame Ukraine for the attack, which U.S. and Ukrainian officials firmly deny.
On Sunday, rescuers were continuing to search for bodies, as some families didn’t know whether their families were still alive.
Moscow’s Department of Health said Sunday it has started identifying the bodies of those killed via DNA testing, a process that will take at least two weeks, the AP reported.
As of Sunday, 50 victims were already identified by authorities. There were also 154 people reported injured.
The Associated Press contributed.
