The Israeli Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, was the scene of an attempted attack Wednesday.
The Israeli Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, was the scene of an attempted attack Wednesday.
Courtesy DHA

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Attacker appears to suffer from mental illness, Turkish authorities say

Turkish man has no previous police record or terror links, they say

CNN  — 

A man was shot in the leg during an attempted attack Wednesday on the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

The Turkish man, named as Osman Nuri C. by state-run news agency Anadolu, approached the embassy just after noon local time carrying a bag and a 30-centimeter (11-inch) knife. The statement from Ankara authorities did not give his last name.

The man started chanting slogans while walking closer to the embassy. When police asked him to stop, he did not – at which point an officer shot near his legs, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon told CNN.

Authorities secure the scene Wednesday near the Israeli Embassy after the attack attempt.
Authorities secure the scene Wednesday near the Israeli Embassy after the attack attempt.
Courtesy DHA

The man then began waving his knife in the direction of the officer, who shot him in the leg.

“According to initial reports Osman Nuri C appears to be (suffering from) mental illness,” Ankara authorities said in a statement to Anadolu.

“He does not have (a) previous police record and no organizational link (was) detected. The investigation continues.”

The man was treated at Ankara Numune Hospital, according to Anadolu.

Journalist Isil Sariyuce contributed to this report.