According to initial reports, two masked gunmen opened fire during Sunday mass at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul, resulting in one fatality. Police and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. While the suspects are currently unidentified, the victim has only been partially identified by authorities as “C.T.”
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya commented on the attack yesterday (January 28th), stating, “An attendee identified as C.T. was tragically killed in an armed attack by two masked assailants during Sunday mass at the Santa Maria Church in the Büyükdere neighborhood of Sarıyer, Istanbul. An investigation has been launched, and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.”
This morning (January 29th) Minister Yerlikaya announced that 47 people have been detained and two suspects have been apprehended. Yerlikaya stated that both suspects are foreign nationals and are thought to be affiliated with ISIS.
Yerlikaya further explained:
“Since June 1st, 2023, to date, we have conducted 1,046 operations against ISIS. I also want to mention that 2,086 individuals have been detained, 529 arrested, and 404 judicial control decisions have been issued.”
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç also announced that an investigation has been launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, writing, “One deputy chief prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident.”
İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu stated:
“I condemn the armed attack on the Santa Maria Church in Sarıyer. I extend my condolences to the family of C.T. who lost their life, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We will never allow those who attempt to disrupt our unity and peace by attacking places of worship in our city.”
İYİ Party İstanbul Mayoral Candidate Buğra Kavuncu:
“I learned with great sorrow about the armed attack that took place during Sunday mass at the Santa Maria Church in Sarıyer. I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of C.T., and wish them patience and a speedy recovery to the injured.”
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AKP İstanbul Mayoral Candidate Murat Kurum:
“I strongly condemn the attack carried out during the service at the Santa Maria Italian Church in the Büyükdere neighborhood of Sarıyer. I conveyed my condolences to Reverend Anton Bulai. These despicable attacks targeting our centuries-old bond of brotherhood and our determination to coexist will never succeed in their aims.”
DEVA Party Chair Ali Babacan:
“I condemn the armed attack on the Santa Maria Catholic Church during Sunday mass in Istanbul. I extend my condolences to the person who lost their life in the attack and wish speedy recovery to the injured. I hope that the perpetrators are identified and captured as soon as possible.”
