ISTANBUL: Gunmen attacked the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul’s Sariyer district, Sunday resulting in the death of one Turkish citizen. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the capture of the two assailants, stating that the attack occurred during the church service and condemning the act. The victim, identified as Tuncer Cihan, was targeted by the gunmen.
The gunmen were swiftly apprehended by Turkish authorities, as confirmed by Yerlikaya on the social media platform X. However, details regarding the motive for the attack and the identities of the assailants were not disclosed.
The attack was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in a statement on Telegram, asserting that it was in response to the group’s leaders’ call to target Jews and Christians. CCTV footage from inside the church, verified by Reuters, revealed the masked gunmen entering the building and shooting a man who was walking in front of them. The attackers quickly fled the scene after the assault.
President Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and support for the church community, with his office releasing a video of his call to the church’s priest. Pope Francis also conveyed his condolences during his weekly Angelus prayer, expressing solidarity with the Saint Mary Draperis Church community that endured the armed attack.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni condemned the “despicable act” and informed that Italy’s foreign ministry was closely monitoring updates on the situation.
