By Orla Guerin in Istanbul & Lipika Pelham in London BBC News
Getty ImagesTurkish police and forensic officers in front of Santa Maria church in IstanbulTwo attackers invaded a Catholic church in Istanbul, disrupting the Sunday mass and tragically killing one man. The incident occurred at the Church of Santa Maria at approximately 11:40 local time (08:40 GMT) during Sunday mass. Turkey’s interior minister has denounced the “vile attack” and assured the launch of an investigation. The suspects are still being pursued by the police. The motivation behind the shooting remains unclear, although officials suggested it appears to be a targeted attack. Surveillance footage released by Turkish media captured the moment of the attack, showing worshippers standing facing the altar, with two gunmen entering from the back of the church. They seem to be following a man dressed in black who has just entered. After fatally shooting him, the gunmen exit calmly. The church, dating back to the 19th century, is located behind high walls near a small fish market by the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul, with the surrounding streets closed off by police. Inside the church, investigators obtained statements from eyewitnesses present at the time of the attack. The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, who visited the scene, mentioned that an individual identified as CT had died in the attack. The uncle of the deceased informed local media that the victim was 52 years old and on the verge of becoming a Christian, though not yet baptized. Another relative stated that he was mentally ill and emphasized that he was not the intended target of the attack. In a public statement, the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, declared, “We will never allow those who try to disrupt our unity and peace by attacking the places of faith in our city.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed his condolences and assured the public that “necessary steps” were being taken to apprehend the perpetrators, whom he predicted would be found “within 24 hours.” Additionally, the Pope expressed his support and solidarity with the Santa Maria church community at the conclusion of his weekly prayer at the Vatican. Attacks such as this on Turkey’s Christian minority are infrequent. The local mayor emphasized the harmony between Muslims and Christians in the area, expressing the genuine shock felt by the community.
A relative of one of the worshippers grieves in front of Santa Maria church
