Muslim Teen Recognized for Courageous Rescue of 100+ People in Concert Hall Terror Attack
Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Children’s Rights Ombudswoman, awarded a diploma to 15-year-old Islam Khalilov on Tuesday for his “dedication, courage and personal bravery.”
Lvova-Belova visited Khalilov’s school to present the award in a solemn ceremony. Khalilov was working part-time as a cloakroom attendant at the Crocus City Hall concert venue when the shooting took place. Seeing people in panic and confusion, he took charge, announcing that he was an employee and guiding them to the exits.
Despite being in grave danger, Khalilov was determined to ensure no one was left behind. At the award ceremony, he credited his upbringing for his actions, saying, “Dad has always said that if you can help in any way, always help people.” He also mentioned that he has received numerous messages on social media from people thanking him for saving their relatives’ lives.
Lvova-Belova praised Khalilov’s actions, saying, “This is amazing how children who needed to be saved themselves were helping people.”
The attack at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, on March 22 resulted in at least 139 deaths and over 180 injuries. The Investigative Committee detained 11 individuals, including the four perpetrators, in the Bryansk border region as they were heading to Ukraine. Late on Sunday, Moscow’s Basmanny District Court charged the four with terrorism and approved their pre-trial detentions until May 22.
Source: Agencies
