In a shocking incident that sent shockwaves throughout Istanbul, two masked gunmen opened fire during Sunday Mass at the Santa Maria Church in the Sarıyer district. This brazen attack claimed the life of one innocent churchgoer and left the entire community in mourning. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. local time, the serene atmosphere of the Santa Maria Church was shattered when two armed men burst into the building. The horrifying scene was captured in a viral social media video, showing the masked assailants entering the church just moments before they unleashed a hail of bullets. In an instant, the faithful dropped to the ground, seeking shelter from the indiscriminate gunfire.
Tragically, one man, Tuncer Cihan, lost his life during the attack. Described as a mentally disabled individual with no affiliations to politics or criminal organizations, his presence at the church that day was simply a matter of fate. Cihan’s nephew, Cagin Cihan, expressed his grief and disbelief over the senseless loss of his uncle.
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The news of the attack spread rapidly, prompting both local and international leaders to express their condolences and solidarity with the affected community. Pope Francis, during his public remarks at the Vatican, expressed his closeness to the community of the Santa Maria Church and condemned the armed attack that took place during Mass.
In the aftermath of the attack, Turkish authorities swiftly launched a manhunt for the masked gunmen. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two suspects, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), were apprehended later that evening. One suspect hailed from Russia, while the other originated from Tajikistan. The swift action by the Istanbul Police in identifying and capturing the perpetrators was commended by Minister Yerlikaya.
In a statement released by the ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for the shooting at the Santa Maria Church. The security source cited by Amaq confirmed their affiliation with ISIS, further emphasizing the global threat posed by extremist organizations.
The attack on the Santa Maria Church prompted an immediate response from various entities, both within Turkey and abroad. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to social media to assure the public that the country’s security forces were mobilized with all available resources. He also engaged in a phone call with a priest from the targeted church, demonstrating his support and concern for the affected community.
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Furthermore, Italian officials, as the church is run by an Italian order of Franciscan friars, expressed their condolences and condemnation for the vile attack. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani conveyed his firm belief that the Turkish authorities would bring those responsible to justice.
In the wake of the attack, Turkey’s Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor, along with two other public prosecutors, initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc assured the public that the investigation would be conducted meticulously, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
The attack on the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul has left a deep scar on the city and the entire nation. As the investigation continues, it is crucial that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The solidarity and support from both local and international communities serve as a reminder that acts of violence and terror will not undermine the unity and resilience of the people. In these challenging times, it is important to stand together in the face of adversity and work towards a world where such tragedies become a thing of the past.
