Schoolboy hero saved 100 from terror attack
A SCHOOLBOY has been hailed a hero for rescuing more than 100 people from the Moscow massacre.
As terrorists started shooting concert-goers, Islam Khalilov was working part-time as a cloakroom attendant at the Crocus City Hall venue.
Because the 15-year-old was familiar with the vast building, he could guide the terrified people to exits.
Footage has emerged of Khalilov’s bravery and quick-thinking on Friday in helping the fleeing crowd out via an emergency stairway.
He shouts: “That way, that way, that way. Everybody go that way. Everybody over there.”
Khalilov later explained he saw people running in terror with one man being shot right in front of him.
He added: “I understood that if I didn’t react, I would lose my life and the lives of many people. It was very scary.
“When I was in the crowd going to the door to open it, I thought the gunmen might come out and throw a grenade or open fire. “I managed to open the door in time. I’m still in a state of shock.”
The teenager led 100-plus people to an adjacent building, walking out last to make sure no one was left behind. Khalilov, a Muslim who is expected to be honoured, said: “I knew where to take people to keep them safe.”
Russia yesterday observed a day of mourning for the 133 people, including three children, who were killed. Another 154 were injured.
Last night suspects arrived for a hearing at a Moscow court. Four were arrested on Saturday, with seven more detained on suspicion of involvement.
The British Embassy in Moscow and consulate in Yekaterinburg lowered their flags “to mourn with the Russian people”. Vladimir Putin has tried to pin blame on Ukraine but president Volodymyr Zelensky called him “scum” for doing so.
He added: “That low-life Putin... was silent for a day, thinking about how to bring it to Ukraine.”
The US National Security Council said: “Isis bears sole responsibility for this attack.” The US had shared information with Russia on a Moscow terror threat.