Economic Indicators

The assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, as caught on camera

A photographer’s instinct.
A photographer’s instinct.
Image: Reuters/Sozcu Newspaper
By
Echo Huang
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Russia’s ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov was gunned down yesterday (Dec. 19) at a photo exhibit in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The entire incident was filmed by a photographer working for the Associated Press.

The gunman, identified as policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas, fired at Karlov as the ambassador was ending his speech. As Karlov collapsed, the attacker shouted: “Don’t forget Aleppo! Don’t forget Syria!”

62-year-old Karlov had been serving as ambassador to Turkey since July 2013. He had also previously worked for the Soviet Union’s embassy in North Korea.

Associated Press photographer Burhan Ozbilici captured the scene on camera. He was attending the photo exhibit about Russia at an art gallery on his way home from work.

“I’m here. Even if I get hit and injured, or killed, I’m a journalist. I have to do my work. I could run away without making any photos… But I wouldn’t have a proper answer if people later ask me: ‘Why didn’t you take pictures?'” Ozbilici recounted later.

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov lies on the ground after he was shot by Mevlut Mert Altintas at an art gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19,2016.
Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov lies on the ground after he was shot by Mevlut Mert Altintas at an art gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19, 2016.
Image: Hasim Kilic/Hurriyet via REUTERS
The gunman pointed to the Russian ambassador with his gun on Dec.19,2016. shouts after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. A gunman in a suit and tie shouted slogans about Syria's civil war after he killed Russia's ambassador to Turkey in front of stunned onlookers at a photo exhibition in the Turkish capital on Monday, according to an Associated Press photographer who witnessed the shooting. Police later killed the assailant, Turkish station NTV reported. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Mevlut Mert Altintas points to the Russian ambassador’s body with his gun on Dec. 19,2016.
Image: AP /Burhan Ozbilici
ADDS THE NAME OF THE GUNMAN - The attacker identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas holds up a gun after shooting Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey on Dec.19,2016. Shouting "Don't forget Aleppo! Don't forget Syria!" Altintas fatally shot Karlov in front of stunned onlookers at a photo exhibit. Police killed the assailant after a shootout. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
The attacker identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas holds up a gun after shooting Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey on Dec.19, 2016.
Image: AP /Burhan Ozbilici
An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. A gunman opened fire on Russia's ambassador to Turkey at a photo exhibition on Monday. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said he was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
The gunman gestures after shooting the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19, 2016.
Image: AP/Burhan Ozbilici)
Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, speaks at a photo exhibition in Ankara on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, moments before a gunman opened fire on him. Karlov was rushed to a hospital after the attack and later died from his gunshot wounds. The gunman is seen at rear on the left. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Mevlut Mert Altintas stands behind Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, shortly before shooting Karlov at a photo exhibition in Ankara on Dec. 19, 2016.
Image: AP/Burhan Ozbilici
The gunman stands near the body of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey in Ankara, Turkey, 19 Dec., 2016.
The gunman stands near the body of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey in Ankara, Turkey, 19 Dec., 2016.
Image: EPA/Sozcu Newspaper vis Depo Photos
The gunman stands near the body of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey on 19 Dec., 2016 in Ankara.
The gunman stands near the body of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey on 19 Dec., 2016 in Ankara.
Image: EPA/Depo Photos
A child is held after Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. Karlov was rushed to a hospital after the attack and later died from his gunshot wounds. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
A child is held after Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19, 2016.
Image: AP/Burhan Ozbilici
People crouch in a corner after Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19,2016. Karlov, 62, was several minutes into a speech at an embassy-sponsored photo exhibition when a man fired a gun at him. Karlov was rushed to a hospital after the attack and later died from his gunshot wounds. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People crouch in a corner after Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey on Dec.19, 2016.
Image: AP/Burhan Ozbilici