The White House condemned the assassination Monday of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey as an act of terrorism.
“We offer our condolences to the Russian people and government,” said White House national security council spokesman Ned Price. “This heinous attack on a member of the diplomatic corps is unacceptable, and we stand united with Russia and Turkey in our determination to confront terrorism in all of its forms.”
Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov was shot to death as he delivered a speech at an art gallery in the capital of Ankara, reportedly by an off-duty police officer who also wounded several others. The gunman was shouting about Aleppo, the Syrian city that has been under siege in that country’s civil war.
Turkey and Russia, a powerful ally to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, have backed opposite sides in the Syrian war.
Police shot the gunman dead. Much of the incident was captured on TV footage and by photographers.
Mr. Price said the thoughts and prayers of Americans “are with the families and loved ones of Ambassador Karlov and the other victims.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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