In a shocking incident on January 28, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Santa Maria Church in Istanbul, Turkey. The attack took place during Sunday Mass, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old Turkish national, identified as Tuncer Cihan.

Two suspects, described as members of the Islamic State group, have been arrested following the shooting. The Turkish Minister of the Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, announced that police conducted raids in 30 locations across Istanbul, leading to the arrests of the foreign nationals. One suspect is from Tajikistan, while the other is Russian. The minister stated that both suspects are believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State.

The Turkish bishops' conference condemned the act of violence in a statement, expressing their condolences to the victim's family. They called for prayers and urged the Turkish state security forces to ensure that justice is served and greater security is provided to communities and churches. The bishops also emphasized the need to avoid spreading hatred and religious discrimination.

Video footage obtained by EWTN News showed two masked assailants dressed in black following a man with white hair into the church. They shot him in the back of the head while parishioners sought shelter under the pews. Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, the apostolic vicar of Istanbul, expressed concern about religious intolerance and called for prayers for the future of their community.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack on its official media outlet, Aamaq. This incident follows the earlier arrest of 25 suspected Islamic State members in Turkey on January 3, who were accused of plotting attacks on churches and synagogues.

Turkey is home to approximately 25,000 Roman Catholics, including migrants from Africa and the Philippines, according to a report by the U.S. State Department in 2022.

As investigations continue, the Turkish authorities and the Catholic community in Istanbul remain vigilant against future threats.