US warns of ‘mass casualty threat’ at Tsaritsyno museum park in Moscow
The US Embassy in Moscow said it possesses credible information about a possible terrorist attack that might occur at Tsaritsyno, a landmark historical palace complex in the Russian capital, this Saturday. The FSB has confirmed receiving the warning from the American counterparts.
The embassy’s security alert, issued on Saturday, 31 October, warned US citizens against visiting the grounds and advised them to avoid crowds and stay updated with local news.
It also recommended keeping phones charged and carrying identification. The warning did not identify those behind the threat or describe the possible attack.
«The US Embassy in Moscow is aware of a credible threat of a mass casualty event TODAY [sic] October 31, at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow at Dolskaya Ulitsa 1, Moscow, Russia 11569. The US government is coordinating with appropriate Russian authorities on a response,» the alert reads.
Tsaritsyno is a sprawling museum, palace and park complex in southern Moscow, originally commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great. Its landscaped grounds, ponds and exhibitions make it a popular weekend destination for Muscovites and tourists alike, attracting around seven million visitors annually.
Later in the day, Russia’s Federal Security Service, the FSB, has confirmed receiving the American warning and said it was taking action. It said that the tip-off was received «through partner channels,» according to state news agency TASS.
For its part, the Tsaritsyno park administration told Telegram channel Mash that the complex operated as normal.
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