Russian security authorities detained a teenage boy suspected of plotting a terrorist attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, a popular park and palace complex in Moscow, following a intelligence tip-off and security warning from the United States.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying it received information from Washington about preparations for an attack through established security cooperation channels.
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The warning came after the US Embassy in Moscow issued an alert on Saturday, October 31, describing a credible threat of a mass-casualty attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in southern Moscow.
According to the FSB, the suspect had posted photographs on TikTok showing himself wearing tactical clothing and a balaclava while holding an object resembling an automatic weapon.
The photographs also included images taken at the museum complex, accompanied by the caption “I found a place.”
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The security agency said a search of the suspect’s home uncovered clothing and accessories matching those in the photographs, while searches on the teenager’s phone reportedly included queries about terrorist attacks, mass killings and other acts of violence.
The FSB thanked American authorities for sharing the intelligence, while Russia’s Investigative Committee was considering the appropriate legal action against the suspect.
Following the US warning, Russian authorities temporarily closed the museum and park complex and restricted access to the area.
The American Embassy had advised its citizens to avoid the location, remain alert and stay away from crowded places.
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The latest incident highlights continued security cooperation between Washington and Moscow despite tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
FRCN