On March 23, 2025, the residents of Ryazan paid tribute to the 145 victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which occurred on March 22, 2024. This somber remembrance was marked by citizens bringing flowers and lighting candles at memorial sites, reaffirming their solidarity with the victims’ families and a united front against violence.
The Crocus City Hall attack was one of the deadliest in modern Russian history. Armed terrorists stormed the concert hall, causing chaos and destruction, and resulted in more than 550 people injured. In light of the tragedy, the Russian government declared March 24 a national day of mourning. During the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the families, stating, “We will remember the victims and strive to build a society where such attacks can never happen again.”
In support of the victims, the Russian community has mobilized to create memorials and remembrance events across the nation. In Moscow, volunteers from the “Volunteers of Victory” movement opened a new memorial dedicated to the victims on the occasion of the tragedy’s first anniversary. The memorial conveys a deep message about pain, loss, and hope for a peaceful future. “This memorial is a symbol of our shared grief, memory, and hope that such tragedies will never happen again,” representatives of the organization stated.
Angelina Severgina, an authorized child rights representative in Voronezh, shared an emotional account of a family affected by the attack. The grandmother, seeking custody of her grandson—who lost his mother in the attack—revealed the heavy emotional toll on families affected by the tragedy. “Perhaps the most emotionally challenging part of my work is dealing with families where there are victims,” Severgina mentioned in a heartfelt post. The impact of the attack resonates deeply within various families even a year later.
The opening ceremony of the memorial in Krasnogorsk attracted hundreds of participants, including residents from Tula, who came to pay their respects and bring flowers in memory of those who died. The memorial stands opposite the Crocus City Hall and serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of March 22, 2024.
Among the attendees was Valentin Pavlitsky, a manager who witnessed the attack firsthand. He detailed the horror of those moments, sharing how he and his wife narrowly escaped with their lives. “We arrived at the concert about half an hour before it started. A few minutes later, we heard chaos below and saw people being shot,” he recounted. His experience underscores the fear and trauma that linger long after such an event. “The emotional aftermath remains with us to this day. We still react nervously to sudden loud noises, and I’ve lost the desire to attend public events,” Pavlitsky said.
The investigation into the terrorist attack has been extensive, with law enforcement apprehending 15 individuals connected to the crime, some of whom are believed to be part of an international terrorist organization. “Based on gathered evidence, the investigation concluded that the terrorist act was planned and organized by special services of an unfriendly state to destabilize the situation in Russia,” said Svetlana Petrenko, the official representative of the Investigative Committee of Russia.
As the community gathers to remember the tragic event, it is evident that the impact of the attack extends beyond the immediate victims, touching every corner of society. The efforts to honor those who lost their lives showcase resilience and the enduring spirit of unity among the Russian people. Yet, while memorials are erected and tributes are shared, the call for safety and security remains high on the national agenda, making it clear that such attacks must never be allowed to happen again.
As the one-year mark of this horrific attack arrives, the sense of collective mourning grows ever more profound, alongside a determination to build a secure and peaceful future. The legacy of the victims serves as an important reminder of the need for solidarity and the relentless pursuit of peace in the face of adversity.
