U.S. Embassy Warns of Threat at Moscow's Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert on October 31 about a credible threat at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, located at Dolskaya Ulitsa 1 in the Russian capital. The embassy said an event causing mass casualties could take place there the same day. The alert carries weight because the embassy issued a similar warning shortly before a 2024 terrorist attack.

Embassy recommendations

The U.S. government said it is coordinating with the relevant Russian authorities on a response. U.S. citizens were advised to avoid the museum reserve and the surrounding area on October 31, stay alert and stay away from crowds. The embassy also urged people to be aware of their surroundings, review their personal security plan, keep phones charged, carry proper identification, follow local media, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive health and security updates.

Russian response

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed it had received the U.S. warning about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow. The agency said appropriate action is being taken. Security guards told a reporter from Ostorozhno Media that the museum reserve had been closed "for technical reasons."

Accounts differ, however. A museum representative told the Telegram channel Mash that staff had no information about any threat and that Tsaritsyno continues to operate as usual. Moscow city officials and Russian federal authorities had not initially commented on the alert.

Earlier precedent

The U.S. Embassy issued a similar warning in early March 2024, shortly before the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue outside Moscow.