Russia has detained a teenager suspected of planning a terrorist attack at a popular park in Moscow following a warning from the United States, according to the country’s Federal Security Service .
The Russian citizen was arrested after US authorities alerted Moscow to a potential attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, Interfax news agency reported on Sunday, citing the FSB.
The security agency said the suspect had posted pictures on TikTok wearing a balaclava and tactical clothing while holding what appeared to be an automatic weapon.
The teenager also reportedly shared photographs taken at the park in southern Moscow with the caption, “I found a place.”
According to Interfax, a search of the suspect’s residence uncovered clothing and accessories similar to those featured in the photographs.
Investigators also reportedly found searches relating to terrorist attacks and mass killings on the teenager’s phone, alongside a subscription to a neo-Nazi Telegram channel.
The arrest followed a security alert issued by the US embassy in Moscow on Saturday, warning of a “credible threat of a mass casualty event” at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, a popular palace and park complex.
The embassy advised people to stay away from the location and disclosed that the US government was working with Russian authorities to address the threat.
The park was temporarily shut on Saturday following the warning.
The FSB expressed appreciation for the information provided by Washington, stating, “We are grateful to the American side for providing the information.”
Russia’s Investigative Committee is currently considering the legal action to be taken against the teenager, the FSB said.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of previous US warnings to Russia about possible attacks.
In March 2024, Washington issued an alert weeks before an attack on a Moscow concert hall by an affiliate of the ISIL group, which claimed more than 140 lives.
The latest security cooperation between the two countries comes amid strained relations over Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
