Investigators say Ankara assassination was 'not a one-man action'

Authorities believe the gunman who shot and killed Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to Turkey, at an Ankara art gallery Monday did not act alone. A Turkish government official said Tuesday the act was "fully professional, not a one-man action," and likely was well planned out. Turkey's state-run news agency reported the lone gunman, identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas, took leave from work and made a reservation on Dec. 14 at a hotel near the art gallery.

Altintas, an off-duty member of Ankara's riot police squad, shot Karlov from behind as he spoke at the art opening. Video footage of the incident, captured by press in attendance, indicated Altintas referenced Aleppo and Syria and shouted the phrase "God is great" in Arabic, before he was later killed in a shootout with police.

Turkish police have detained seven people in connection with Altintas, including his parents, his roommate, his sister, and three other relatives. Investigators are still determining who is behind the attack.

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