One person lost their life when two masked gunmen launched an assault on the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district.
Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, shared the grim news in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The attack unfolded around 11:40 am local time in the Büyükdere neighborhood, coinciding with the Sunday service at the Santa Maria Church.
Minister Yerlikaya announced the initiation of a “large-scale investigation,” with authorities actively pursuing the identification and apprehension of the two attackers.
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Expressing strong condemnation, the minister stated, “We strongly condemn this vile attack.”
The motive behind the assault remains unknown at this time.
Turkey’s Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, joined in denouncing the attack and disclosed that the Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor, along with two other public prosecutors, had been assigned to investigate the incident.
Tunc emphasized ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the attack, assuring a comprehensive and meticulous investigation.
The tragic event has raised concerns, and the authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.