The White House condemned the \u201csavagery\u201d of at least one gunman in Istanbul who killed at least 35 people and wounded 40 others as they celebrated the New Year, calling the attack \u201chorrific.\u201d
The gunman reportedly dressed as Santa Claus shot dead a policeman and a civilian at the entrance to the Reina nightclub, one of the city\u2019s most exclusive party venues, before going on a shooting rampage inside, according to the authorities.
NTV television said many party-goers threw themselves into the Bosphorus in panic after the attack and efforts were under way to rescue them from the waters.
\u201cThe United States condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, which has left dozens dead and many more wounded,\u201d National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
\u201cThat such an atrocity could be perpetrated upon innocent revelers, many of whom were celebrating New Year\u2019s Eve, underscores the savagery of the attackers.\u201d
Price added, \u201cWe reaffirm the support of the United States for Turkey, our NATO ally, in our shared determination to confront and defeat all forms of terrorism.
State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the United States would be \u201cin close touch\u201d with Turkish authorities as they investigate the attack.
\u201cSadly, this heinous attack is only the latest effort to kill and maim innocent civilians,\u201d he added.
\u201cThese attacks only reinforce our strong determination to work with the Government of Turkey to counter the scourge of terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n

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