New Year’s Terror: Attacker Kills at Least 35 People in Turkish Night Club

Even with increased security, terrorists struck a nightclub in Istanbul Turkey early on New Year’s Day killing dozens and injuring more.

At least 35 people have been reported killed and another 40 injured when a lone gunman, reportedly dressed in a Santa suit, armed with a “long range weapon” opened fire in the Reina nightclub in Istanbul. The following video is unconfirmed security camera footage of the attacker in the night club although that doesn’t look like a Santa suit nor does he appear to have a “long range weapon.”

More unconfirmed footage from the outside of the club as bullets can be seen striking cars in the street.

Patrons jumped into the water to escape gunfire and were later rescued by police.

Unconfirmed reports claim that the attacker was speaking Arabic.

The club was reportedly packed with as many as 700 patrons.

The Turkish city had already bolstered security by putting over 17,000 police on the streets hoping to prevent attacks.

The U.S. State Department is urging US citizens in Istanbul to avoid the area around the Reina nightclub attack and to contact family members immediately.

Security remains tight in the United States and Europe as New Year’s revelers fill night clubs and attend mass gatherings to celebrate the approach of 2017.

President Obama has directed staff to offer ‘appropriate assistance’ to Turkey in the wake of the attack.