2 Masked Assailants Attack Church in Istanbul, Kill 1 Person

ISTANBUL (AP) — Two masked assailants attacked a church in Istanbul on Sunday, killing one person, Turkish officials said.

According to a statement posted by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the armed assailants attacked the church in the Sariyer district at 11:40 a.m. local time. He did not specify what kind of weapons were used or whether anyone else was wounded.

Yerlikaya condemned the attack and said authorities are working on capturing the assailants. An investigation has been opened.

Speaking to reporters, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu offered his condolences and support for religious minorities in the city, which like Turkey as a whole is primarily Muslim.

“There are no minorities in this city or this country. We are all actual citizens,” he said.

Speaking to the Associated Press, the victim’s nephew identified the man who died as Tuncer Cihan. He noted that the target was the church and not his uncle.

“He was a mentally disabled individual who had no connection to politics or [criminal] organizations. He went there on an invitation and was a victim of fate,” Cagin Cihan said.