Gunman near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul killed, Turkish governor says

Three assailants opened fire at police outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, sparking a gunfight that left one attacker dead, Turkish officials said. The two other assailants were captured with injuries.

Two police officers sustained slight injuries in the clash, Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul told reporters.

There were no Israeli diplomats present at the consulate, officials said.

An earlier report from Turkish media outlet Haberturk said two people had died.

Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from the neighbouring city of Izmit in a rented car. One of the assailants was linked to a group he described as “exploiting religion,” without naming the organization.

‘Treacherous attack’: Erdogan

Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched, while the Interior Ministry said that the two wounded assailants were being interrogated.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced what he said was a “treacherous” attack.

“We will resolutely continue our fight against all forms of terrorism, and we will not allow the climate of security in Turkey to be harmed by vile and timed provocations like today’s,” he said.

Video from the attack showed one assailant carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle, wearing a brown backpack, and hiding behind a bus when exchanging fire with police. A police officer falls to the ground, apparently having been shot, and then rolls away to get behind a tree for cover.

Tom Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey, condemned the attack and praised Turkish authorities for “their swift and decisive response.”

“Attacks on diplomatic missions are attacks on the international order – and an assault on the principles that bind nations together,” he wrote on X.