Ankara [Turkey], January 29: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following an armed attack on the Italian Catholic Church in Istanbul on Sunday, expressed condolences over the death of one person and expressed confidence that the suspects will soon be detained.
Earlier in the day, two people in masks with automatic weapons attacked the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Istanbul's Sariyer district, leaving one person dead. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that a comprehensive investigation and search for the criminals were launched.
"At the moment, all of our security agencies are mobilized and are making all necessary efforts. I believe the suspects will be caught soon," Erdogan said in a phone conversation with Sariyer Governor Omer Kalayli, Priest of St. Mary Church Anton Bulai and Polish Consul General in Istanbul Witold Lesniak.
Earlier in the day, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Rome jointly with diplomatic missions in Turkey is closely monitoring the situation. Pope Francis, in turn, expressed support for the parishioners of the church in Istanbul following the attack.
Turkey's interior minister condemned the "vile attack" and said an investigation has been launched. Police are still searching for the suspects. The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, but officials have said it looks like a targeted attack.
CCTV released by Turkish media shows the moment of the attack. Worshippers were on their feet, facing the altar, when two gunmen came into the back of the church. They appear to be following a man who has just come in, dressed in black. After he is shot and fatally wounded, the gunmen calmly leave. The 19th Century church sits behind high walls, close to a small fish market, by the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul.
Source: Qatar Tribune