Person detained after firing shots near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
The suspect, who opened fire in the air with a pump-action shotgun near the Israeli Consulate in Besiktas, was detained by special operations police. (AA Photo)
A man armed with a shotgun was detained after firing multiple shots into the air near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, prompting a swift response from local and special operations police.
Details of the incident
The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Talatpasa Avenue in the Levent neighborhood, close to the Israeli Consulate. According to initial reports, an unidentified suspect fired 5-6 shots into the air using a pump-action shotgun.
The sound of gunfire led concerned residents to alert the police, who quickly deployed multiple units to the scene.
Special operations police called in
When the suspect refused to surrender to the police’s initial calls to disarm, special operations officers were dispatched. The suspect continued to resist for some time before special operations teams intervened, firing warning shots into the air.
This prompted the suspect to drop his weapon and surrender.
Protest motive suggested
Preliminary reports suggest that the suspect carried out the act as a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The individual was taken into custody and transported to the Besiktas Security Bureau for questioning.
There were no reports of injuries or fatalities, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
