An individual tragically lost their life when two masked assailants targeted a church in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, as reported by Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya through a social media statement.
The assault unfolded in the Büyükdere neighborhood of the district at approximately 11:40 am local time (3:40 am ET). The Santa Maria Church was in the midst of a Sunday service when the incident took place, according to Yerlikaya.
In response, a comprehensive investigation has been initiated, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend the two perpetrators, the minister further noted.
Yerlikaya expressed a firm denunciation of the heinous act, stating, “We strongly condemn this vile attack.”
Currently, the underlying motives behind the attack remain unclear.
In a similar vein, Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has also condemned the attack. Tunc revealed that the Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor, along with two other public prosecutors, has been appointed to lead the investigation into this incident.
Tunc elaborated that extensive efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the attack, emphasizing that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and from multiple angles.
As this is an ongoing situation, further updates will be provided as the story develops.