Moscow: US embassy warns of a “credible threat” of a mass-casualty incident at Tsaritsyno, and the FSB confirms it received information

The US embassy in Moscow issued a security alert on Saturday, October 31 about a “credible threat” of an incident with mass casualties at the Tsaritsyno museum-park. The threat concerns the same day and the museum grounds, at 1 Dolskaya Street in southern Moscow. The notice was posted at 16:35 Moscow time.

The American government, the embassy says, is coordinating with the relevant Russian authorities to deal with the threat. The notice, published in English and Russian, states in capital letters that the danger concerns the same day. It advises avoiding the museum, the wider area and crowds, and calls for vigilance and attention to surroundings. It also urges people to review their personal security plan, keep their mobile phone charged, carry identity documents and follow local media for updates.

The embassy refers citizens to the State Department’s STEP programme for security updates and gives help lines for the embassy itself (+7 495 728-5577) and the State Department (+1 888-407-4747 from the US and Canada, +1 202-501-4444 from abroad). The Russian version speaks of a “credible threat of committing an incident that may cause mass casualties”. Washington’s Level 4 travel advisory already applies, asking Americans not to travel to Russia for any reason, citing terrorism, unrest and the risk of arbitrary detention.

The FSB’s response

Later the same day Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed that it had received the warning. In a short statement it said that “from the American side, through cooperation channels, information was received on preparations for a terrorist attack in Moscow” and that “relevant work is under way”. The statement, titled “On the preparation of a terrorist attack in Moscow”, was only two sentences long.

The shadow of Crocus City Hall

Russia has suffered deadly terrorist attacks, the bloodiest in recent years being the attack on Crocus City Hall in 2024, when gunmen opened fire on concert-goers and set the building on fire. More than 140 people were killed and hundreds injured. An Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility, but Russian officials, starting with Vladimir Putin, ascribed a role to Ukraine without presenting evidence, which Kyiv categorically rejected.

Tsaritsyno is a historic palace complex with a park in southern Moscow, built in the 18th century on the orders of Catherine the Great.