Turkish authorities released details about an armed incident at St. Mary’s Church in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. The information, attributed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and reported by TASS, confirms that two suspects were detained by police in connection with the attack. The ministry said the arrests occurred as part of a broader investigation into the incident, with officers moving quickly to interrogate those suspected of involvement. The prosecutor’s office has opened a formal inquiry into the matter, signaling a multi-agency response aimed at establishing the sequence of events and any potential ties to organized crime or terror networks.
Early reports indicate that two masked attackers opened fire during a service at St. Mary’s Church, resulting in the death of a Turkish citizen named Tuncer Cihan, born in 1972. Local authorities have stated that the arrested individuals are being held at the Istanbul Police Department as part of the ongoing inquiry. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting searches at multiple locations to map out the attack’s chronology and identify any accomplices. The case has drawn strong statements from officials who emphasize the seriousness of the crime and the commitment to pursuing accountability.
At a press briefing, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that 47 people were detained across 30 addresses in relation to the January 28 church shooting. The operation, described as extensive, targeted individuals suspected of helping organize or finance the assault, or of having ties to radical networks. Among those detained is a Tajik citizen, and a Russian national is also reported among the detainees. The minister noted that some detainees are being examined for possible connections to the Islamic State organization, which is banned in Russia. Authorities stressed that detaining suspects is part of a broad effort to dismantle potential support networks behind the attack.
The interior minister underscored that the investigation is being conducted on a large scale, with law enforcement and prosecutors coordinating closely to uncover the full set of facts and ensure proper accountability. In parallel, other state bodies are assisting with victim support, security assessments, and public safety communications to prevent further harm and reassure communities affected by the incident.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remarked that swift actions had been taken to locate and apprehend those responsible, noting the government’s determination to ensure justice and restore public confidence. Istanbul’s governor, Davut Gül, expressed condolences to the families of those harmed and confirmed that there had not been additional fatalities reported, while acknowledging that the investigation would continue to determine every aspect of what occurred. The governor also indicated ongoing collaboration with police and prosecutors to gather facts and pursue all appropriate leads in the case.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are collecting evidence from the crime scene, analyzing forensics, and coordinating with international partners to monitor potential cross-border connections or financing streams that could support extremist activity. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that might clarify the attackers’ motives, affiliations, or planned future actions. The case has spotlighted the persistent threat posed by organized violence and the importance of rapid, coordinated responses by security services in safeguarding places of worship and other community focal points.
In related developments, the incident has prompted discussions about security protocols at religious sites across the country, prompting calls for enhanced protection measures, improved emergency response planning, and greater collaboration between law enforcement and civilian institutions. Updates from government spokespeople indicate that the investigation will continue to unfold in the coming days, with more details expected as forensic work and witness testimonies are reconciled. The public remains urged to rely on official channels for verified information and to support the ongoing search for truth and accountability in this tragedy.