Russian ambassador to Turkey shot and injured in gun attack in Ankara – Foreign Ministry

“An unknown person opened fire during a public event in Ankara. As a result, the Russian ambassador to Turkey received a gunshot wound. He has been admitted to a local hospital,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told journalists.

The ambassador, Andrey Karlov, was injured after he was about to deliver a speech on the opening of the exhibition “Russia in the eyes of Turks.”

TASS news agency, citing eyewitnesses, reports that several shots were taken and the perpetrator shouted “Get out!”

Turkish NTV broadcaster says that three other people were also injured in the attack on the ambassador.

Hurriyet newspaper, citing their own reporter, says that the perpetrator also fired warning shots in the air before targeting Karlov.

According to the paper, Special Forces surrounded the building where the attack took place and are searching for the gunman.

Witnesses say police are engaged in a shootout with the assailant.