The gunman who killed at least 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub attack is still on the run

Armed attackers opened fire in an Istanbul nightclub just after midnight Sunday, according to Turkish officials. At least 39 people were killed and at least another 40 were injured. Several hundred people were reportedly packed into the Reina nightclub for New Year's celebrations when multiple gunmen "rained bullets" on the crowd, according to Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin, who called the incident a "terror attack."

The Obama administration strongly condemned the murders. "That such an atrocity could be perpetrated upon innocent revelers, many of whom were celebrating New Year's Eve, underscores the savagery of the attackers," said National Security Council representative Ned Price. "We offer our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those killed, and a speedy recovery to the wounded."

Istanbul had been on high alert due to a string of recent attacks around Turkey, including the killing of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov on Dec. 20 at an art gallery opening in the capital Ankara. The gunman remains on the loose as of Sunday afternoon in local time, and a manhunt is underway.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up