Russian official awards Muslim teen who helped save more than 100 people during concert hall attack

Russian Children’s Rights Ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova presented an award Tuesday to a 15-year-old Muslim boy who saved more than 100 people during last week’s shooting at a concert hall.

At least 139 people were killed and more than 180 injured on March 22 when gunmen opened fire at Crocus City Hall in the city of Krasnogorsk, approximately 15 miles from Russia’s capital Moscow.

Lvova-Belova arrived at Islam Khalilov’s school and presented him with a diploma “for dedication, courage and personal bravery.”

The teenager worked part-time at the Crocus City Hall concert venue as a cloakroom attendant and was on duty when the shooting occurred.

The boy saw people panicking and loudly announced that he was an employee, that he knew where the exits were, and pointed out the way, making sure no one was left behind.

Speaking at the ceremony, he attributed his action to the way he was raised, saying his father taught him to always help people.

The teenager also said many people have been writing to him on social media, thanking him for saving the lives of their relatives.

Russia’s Investigative Committee says it has detained 11 people in relation to the attack, including four perpetrators. 

A Moscow District Court charged the four late Sunday with terrorism.