America Warned Moscow — and Moscow Said Thank You. That Is What Strength Looks Like.
A U.S. Embassy alert about a "credible threat of a mass casualty event" at a Moscow park led Russia's FSB to detain a suspect — and publicly thank "the American side." Even with adversaries, America keeps its word on protecting innocent life.
By Clara Hughes
On Saturday, Oct. 31, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow posted an unusual security alert. It said the embassy was "aware of a credible threat of a mass casualty event TODAY" at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, a palace and park complex in southern Moscow, and that "the U.S. government is coordinating with appropriate Russian authorities on a response." Americans were told: "Avoid the area, stay alert, and avoid crowds." By Sunday, Russia's Federal Security Service — the FSB, not exactly a fan club for Washington — said it had detained a Russian minor over the threat. And then it said something you do not often hear from Moscow: "We are grateful to the American side for providing the information," according to Reuters, citing Interfax. In an age of cynicism, it is worth pausing on what just happened. Keep reading with Altas Premium. Below: what Russian authorities say they found, why America warns even its rivals, the deadly