Two suspects have been arrested following a gun attack on a church building in the Çekmeköy district of Istanbul, Turkey (also known as Türkiye), on New Year’s Eve.
One assailant, arriving by car, fired several shots at the Kurtuluş Church building on the evening of 31 December 2024 during celebrations for the new year.
He was heard shouting, “We will not allow you to brainwash our Muslim youth! O infidels, you will be defeated and gathered to be driven into hell.”
The Kurtuluş Church building was attacked for the second time in little more than a year [Image credit: Middle East Concern]
One bullet penetrated the iron shutter and glass window, striking an interior wall. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Police began an investigation into the attack, studying surveillance footage. On 2 January two men were arrested in connection with the shooting, identified as Serkan P. and Veysi A., both aged 33.
Kurtuluş Church was previously attacked on 18 December 2023, when CCTV revealed two assailants tearing the signs off the building. Police arrested the perpetrators.
Converts to Christianity from Islam have previously been targeted in Istanbul by Islamist extremists. In January 2024 Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) claimed responsibility for killing Tuncer Cihan, a convert from Islam, in a targeted attack during a church service in the Sariyer district on the European side of the city.
Give thanks that no one was harmed in this incident and for the police’s swift response. Pray for the protection of the Christian community in Turkey, especially converts from Islam, and that they will remain firm in their trust in the Lord, whatever intimidation they experience.
