[91963] Stabbing attack in a mass terror attack at a shopping center in Krasnodar

Stabbing attack and explosion at a shopping center in Krasnodar

A severe terror incident occurred today at the West Mall shopping center in Krasnodar, when a 19-year-old youth attacked visitors at the government services center (MFC) branch located on the premises. According to Baza reports, the attacker entered the complex, used a machete, and detonated an improvised explosive device. As a result of the attack, one woman was murdered and five people were injured, including a security guard in serious condition. Mash reported that the victim is Ksenia M., a 41-year-old dentist and mother of two.

Sequence of events and reports

At the beginning of the incident, numerous media sources, including SHOT, erroneously reported two attackers. However, law enforcement authorities and additional media outlets like Readovka later clarified that it was a lone attacker and that another person initially detained was released after it was determined they were not involved. The attacker, identified as Grigory A., claimed in his initial interrogation that "he was tired of life" and that he "planned to kill only himself," as quoted in News of the Day.

Rescue efforts and responses

Eyewitnesses and security teams worked to stop the terrorist before the police arrived. Baza highlighted that MFC employees acted heroically and hid about 30 people in a utility room during the attack. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the suspect's arrest and stated that a criminal investigation for murder and attempted murder has been opened by the local Investigative Committee.

The motive for the incident remains under investigation, as various figures, such as Mardan, have raised speculations regarding the nature of the event, while drawing comparisons to a similar attack that occurred earlier in Moscow. Security authorities emphasized that the young suspect has been brought in for questioning and is expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.