Moscow Massacre Prompts Conservatives to Point at Southern Border as a Security Liability

Nearly 150 Russians were massacred at a terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia over the weekend. 

Gunmen from the Khorasan branch of the Islamic State, known as Isis-K, indiscriminately opened fire on civilians attending a concert at Moscow’s Crocus City hall. 

Hundreds were severely wounded, 137 killed, and the concert hall decimated in a ghastly blaze. 

Four suspects were arrested and charged with terrorism. 

The massacre is the deadliest terror attack to occur in Russia in decades. 

US Intelligence had warned of a potential large-scale terrorist attack in Moscow earlier this month.

On March 7th, the U.S. Embassy Moscow warned that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings.”

Terror threats have increased in the middle east as political instability in recent years has plagued the region.

US lawmakers have consequently warned that the US is not immune to such threats and present security liabilities could be exploited by terrorists to target American citizens. 

US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) claimed America’s southwest border crisis could be harnessed by terror groups to infiltrate the US and carry out attacks. 

“We have to be vigilant because ISIS knows we have an open border,” said Senator Rubio via X. 

Isis-K, the group responsible for the attack, was created in Afghanistan and had been severely weakened during President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Since President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal, however, the group has regained strength, previously executing bombings outside of the Kabul airport in August 2021. 

Conservative lawmakers have routinely criticized President Biden’s Middle-East foreign policy strategy as emboldening terrorists by minimizing American presence in the region. 

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) channeled Republicans’ fears that the consequence of growing terror groups could reach American shores. 

“If ISIS is attacking in Russia, they can attack here,” said Senator Scott. 

In November 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray warned of the national security threat posed by illegal immigration. 

Director Wray stated the rising number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist apprehended crossing the Southwest border was of “great concern”.