White House offers condolences to victims of Russia music venue attack, says there’s ‘no indication’ Ukraine involved in shooting

"We've all seen the reports and the video coming out of Moscow, this violent shooting at a — looks like a shopping mall. Can’t speak much to the the details of it. I mean, this was all just breaking before I came on out here so we're trying to get more information but really would refer to Russian authorities to speak to it," Kirby said in Friday's White House press conference.

"The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts, obviously, are going to be with the the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack," Kirby continued. "And I think you know, you look at that video if you have, you got to recognize that there's some moms and dads and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters that haven't gotten the news yet. And this is going to be a tough day. So our thoughts are with them."

"You might have also, seen hopefully you saw our the State Department, our embassy there put out a notice to all Americans in Moscow to avoid any large gatherings, concerts, obviously shopping malls, anything like that, just for their own safety They should stay put where they are and stay plugged into the State Department for any additional updates and information. I'm afraid that's really all I have on that."

Kirby also told reporters that "There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting."

"I would disabuse you at this early hour of any connection to Ukraine."

The gunmen fired at civilians, with at least 40 being reported dead and 100 injured. Russian news agencies said 50 ambulance crews had been sent to the scene. The building was also seen set ablaze.