US Embassy in Turkey closed after shots were fired
No one was injured during the incident.
The U.S Embassy in Ankara, the U.S Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana will be closed for normal operations today after a shooting incident occurred overnight, just hours after the Russian ambassador to Turkey was assassinated.
An individual took out a pump action shotgun that he hid in his coat before firing eight shots into the air.
The embassy's security guards swiftly intervened and overpowered him. The shots occurred at 3.50am (00.50am GMT) in the vicinity near the embassy.
The US Embassy is across the street from where the assassination of Andrey Karlov took place.
It is not known at this point whether the two incidents are related.
US Embassy in Ankara and Consulates Istanbul and Adana closed for normal operations today. Visa appointments will be rescheduled.
— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbassyTurkey) December 20, 2016
The man is currently being detained by police and the US Embassy has released the following statement: "The U.S. Mission reminds U.S. citizens to review personal security plans, ensure communication connectivity, to remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and to monitor local news for breaking events. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security".
