Minor arrested in Moscow after threatening Tsaritsyno museum complex

A minor has been detained by Russian authorities on suspicion of threatening a terrorist attack against the Tsaritsyno museum complex in Moscow.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said the minor had posted photos on TikTok wearing tactical clothing, a mask, a hood, sunglasses and headphones. The images also showed an object resembling an automatic weapon. He had also shared photos taken at the museum complex, captioned with the phrase: “I found a place.”

On Saturday, the U.S. Embassy warned of a “credible threat of a mass-casualty event” in the museum area. Washington said it was coordinating with the Russian authorities and advised citizens to avoid the area, remain vigilant and not go to places where large numbers of people gathered.

Following the alert, the Tsaritsyno museum and park were closed on Saturday evening for technical reasons, while visitors were evacuated. According to Russian media, the complex reopened normally on November 1. The German Embassy in Russia had also reportedly warned of a possible security risk in the area.

The case has once again drawn attention to warnings issued by the U.S. Embassy ahead of the March 2024 terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow. The March 22 attack left more than 150 people dead and hundreds injured.