A deadly shooting disrupted a Sunday service at a Catholic church in Istanbul, prompting an urgent response from Turkish authorities. Witnesses described a moment of terror as worshippers gathered for the Mass, and soon after, officials announced that one person had been killed and others were wounded as the assailants opened fire inside the church.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two masked individuals targeted a participant identified only by the initials CT. The person who died sustained a gunshot wound, and officials did not disclose the victim’s full name during the briefing. The minister stressed that a full, rapid investigation is underway to identify and catch the attackers and that the government would pursue accountability with determination.
The minister condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, calling it an act of cowardice and a violation of the peace that communities strive to maintain. He urged the public to remain calm and to cooperate with investigators as details continue to emerge.
Local media outlet T24 reported that the two assailants entered the church with their faces concealed by balaclavas and began firing at worshippers. The report indicated a fatal head wound for one participant and noted additional injuries, though authorities had not yet confirmed the full scope of those injuries at the time of publication.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül addressed reporters to provide clarification on the investigation. He stated that the deceased was not the church’s priest and emphasized the seriousness of the incident as investigators work to verify information and piece together the sequence of events surrounding the attack.
Cumhuriyet newspaper cited Gül as confirming the entry of two masked individuals into the church, the shooting of a person, and the resulting death. Senior officials condemned the attack, labeling it as murder and highlighting the broader concern about violence directed at places of worship and public gatherings across the country. The reaction underscored a national resolve to ensure the safety of faith communities and to uphold the sanctity of religious sites.
Ömer Çelik, a spokesperson for the ruling party, stated on social media that the armed attack at Virgin Mary Church in Istanbul was strongly condemned. The message reflected broad political and public outcry and a shared expectation that law enforcement would respond swiftly to bring those responsible to justice.
St. Mary’s Church, also known as the Sarıyer Italian Church, sits in the Sarıyer district along the northern shores of the Bosphorus. Since 1866, the building has stood as a landmark in the area, weaving itself into the local memory and drawing visitors to the waterfront setting. The attack has generated concern among residents and faith communities alike, with calls for restraint, unity, and clear information as authorities pursue the perpetrators and offer reassurance to worshippers and parishioners in the wake of the violence.