Bombing at Moscow restaurant kills 3 - authorities

A homemade bomb detonated near an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to at least 21 others, according to authorities. The explosion occurred just before 8pm local time near Kudrinkskaya Square, which is home to one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers. An unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard, after which the blast ensued.

Both the security guard and a customer at the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant were killed in the attack. The injured sustained varying degrees of injury, and authorities released footage of heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene, which had been cordoned off from the public. The Russian state RIA news agency did not disclose the identities of those killed or injured, nor did they speculate on the perpetrator's identity.

Russia's FSB security service acknowledged that the bomb's intent was to maim and kill guests enjoying the restaurant's summer terrace outdoor area. The restaurant had been hosting a private event that day.