The Popular Reina nightclub in Istanbul was hosting New Years celebrations
A horrific attack at a New Years Party in Turkey has taken the lives of 35 people, and wounded over 40.
The shooter or shooters were reportedly dressed in Santa costumes.
Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin was at the scene and said, “A terrorist with a long-range weapon … brutally and savagely carried out this attack by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun.”
Watch: BBC Live coverage of Instanbul Turkey New Years Eve Attack
Gunman in #Reina Istanbul nightclub attack was reportedly wearing a Santa Claus costume, according to local mediahttps://t.co/eaAGD1ixya pic.twitter.com/BkjZI83oNR
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) January 1, 2017
It is believed 500 to 600 people were inside at the time of the attack.
An official has described it as a “Terrorist Attack.”
According to reports, party-goers said there were two attackers and that they were speaking in Arabic.
The killers apparently shot at people randomly:
#BREAKING Attackers allegedly entered Istanbul's Reina night club in Santa costumes, opened fire randomly #Turkey pic.twitter.com/fApCLhdD7u
— CNN Türk ENG (@CNNTURK_ENG) December 31, 2016
Emergency crews have been working to rescue party-goers, some of whom jumped into the water to escape from the attack.
Lets keep the families and victims in Turkey in our thoughts and prayers. Nobody should have to start the New Year like this.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – Twitter
