Russia detains minor over alleged Moscow attack plot after US warning

A minor was arrested in Russia following a warning from the US embassy about a potential terrorist threat at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow. The US embassy had issued a security alert on Saturday, claiming it was coordinating a response with Russian authorities. The embassy advised people to avoid the area, remain vigilant, and steer clear of crowds.

Russian state media reported on Sunday that the Federal Security Service (FSB) had detained a minor for his involvement in the threat. The detained individual had posted photos of himself wearing tactical attire, a balaclava, sunglasses, headphones, and an object resembling an automatic weapon on the TikTok platform. Additionally, he had taken pictures at the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve and captioned them, "I found a place."

On Saturday evening, the museum and park grounds were temporarily closed for maintenance, prompting the evacuation of visitors. The facility reopened on November 1. Meanwhile, the German embassy in Russia also issued a warning about a possible security threat at the museum reserve.

This incident bears resemblance to a similar warning issued by the US embassy in March 2024, which led to a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, resulting in over 150 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed such warnings as "provocative" and "an attempt to destabilize society."