Russia marked a national day of mourning on Sunday, as more than 130 people died in the Moscow concert hall attack and many residents still wait for news of their missing loved ones.
On Sunday, events at cultural institutions were canceled, flags were flown at half-staff, and entertainment and advertising on television was canceled, the Associated Press reported, citing Russian state news.
According to the Associated Press, many people gathered at the concert hall with flowers and teddy bears and set up a makeshift memorial in memory of the victims.
The day of remembrance comes two days after Moscow experienced its worst terrorist attack in more than a decade. At least 137 people were killed when multiple gunmen opened fire on a crowded concert hall in Moscow, according to the latest death toll.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said video footage from the concert hall showed three gunmen wearing camouflage uniforms and wielding automatic weapons.
The Associated Press reported Saturday that the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, citing U.S. intelligence officials, and that U.S. government agencies have confirmed that the Islamic State group was responsible for the attack.
Russian authorities announced that they had detained 11 people involved in the incident, including four who were directly involved. Russian President Vladimir Putin has tried to blame Ukraine for the attack, which U.S. and Ukrainian officials firmly deny.
Rescuers continued searching for bodies on Sunday, as some families did not know if their loved ones were still alive.
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Moscow’s Health Ministry announced on Sunday that it had begun identifying the bodies of the deceased through DNA testing, but the process will take at least two weeks, the Associated Press reported.
As of Sunday, 50 victims had already been identified by authorities. Additionally, 154 people were reported injured.
The Associated Press contributed.
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