US warning precedes Russia detains minor in alleged Moscow attack plot investigation

Detention follows US warning

Russia’s Federal Security Service says an American tip helped identify a teenager suspected of preparing an attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in southern Moscow. Interfax reported the detention, citing the FSB.

The US embassy had issued an alert on Saturday about what it called a credible threat of a mass-casualty event at the palace and park complex. It urged people to avoid the site and said Washington was coordinating with Russian authorities. The park was temporarily shut that day.

What investigators say they found

According to the FSB, the Russian citizen posted TikTok images showing a balaclava, tactical clothing and what looked like an automatic weapon. The suspect was not publicly identified.

The service also said the teenager shared images from the reserve with the caption, “I found a place,” as reported by Interfax. A search of the home allegedly turned up clothing and accessories matching those pictures.

The FSB said the phone contained searches about terrorist attacks and mass killings, along with a subscription to a neo-Nazi Telegram channel. These claims have been attributed to the security service.

Investigation and wider context

Russia’s Investigative Committee is weighing possible legal action against the teenager, the FSB said. The agency also thanked the United States for sharing information. Washington has issued earlier warnings about possible attacks in Russia. In March 2024, it warned of a potential threat weeks before an ISIL affiliate attacked a Moscow concert hall, killing more than 140 people. The latest alert comes amid longstanding friction between the United States and Russia over the war in Ukraine.