UPDATE 2 - 1 killed in attack on church in Istanbul

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS BY 3 MORE TURKISH OFFICIALS; SMALL EDITS THROUGHOUT; REVISES DECK

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – Two unidentified gunmen on Sunday opened fire on worshippers at a Catholic church in Istanbul's Sariyer district, killing one, officials said.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the incident occurred at 11:40 a.m. local time (0840GMT) at the Santa Maria Church in the Buyukdere neighborhood.

“A large-scale investigation” is underway to catch the suspects, Yerlikaya said on X, adding: “We strongly condemn this heinous attack.”

The reasons for the attack are unknown.

Following the attack, the police cordoned off the entire area, barring public access in an attempt to apprehend the attackers and for safety reasons.

“Those who threaten the peace and safety of our citizens will never achieve their goals,” Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesperson Omer Celik said in a brief statement on X.

Condemning the “heinous attack,” Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters that the victim of Sunday’s attack was 52 years old, and that no one was injured.

- Turkish president pledges action in wake of attack

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also conveyed his condolences and get-well wishes to the congregation over the attack, adding that necessary steps are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible.

On X, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said Erdogan spoke on the phone with Father Anton Bulai, who serves at the church, as well as with Sariyer District Governor Omer Kalayli and Witold Lesniak, Poland’s consul general in Istanbul.

Poland has a large Catholic population, and it is possible that there were Poles living in Istanbul among worshippers at the church.

"Our esteemed President, who conveyed condolences and get-well wishes to the entire congregation, said that necessary steps are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible,” Altun said.

Altun also shared video of the calls, with Erdogan conveying his sympathies to Father Bulai, saying: "Our law enforcement is currently mobilized with all its capabilities. I believe that the perpetrator will be apprehended shortly."

Ali Erbas, the head of Türkiye’s Religious Affairs Directorate, and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus also condemned the attack.

Erbas denounced the "heinous attack" and extended condolences to the victim's family.

Kurtulmus called the assault "despicable" and also offered condolences to the victim's family.

​​​​​​​* Writing by Merve Berker and Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​