Several Detained In Deadly Turkey Nightclub Attack, Gunman At Large
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ISTANBUL (CBSMiami) – An international manhunt is underway for the man who opened fire inside a crowded nightclub in Turkey an hour into the new year.
So far, at least eight people have been detained.
The gunman – captured on surveillance video during the deadly attack – escaped, but left fingerprints behind.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack that left at least 39 people dead and 70 injured.
The killer was seen on surveillance video exchanging gunfire with police outside the high-end Istanbul club called "Reina" about an hour after midnight. Bullets ricocheted off a car. He then shot his way into the club, killing a police officer and a civilian.
Those injured in the attack include an American businessman who lives in Delaware.
"These crazy people came in shooting everything," said American victim Jake Raak.
Raak, born in Pennsylvania was shot once. The bullet ricocheted off his cell phone and struck his leg.
"I saw one person. There's shooting. I'm hiding," said Raak.
Chris Raak says his older brother is heading home.
"It's really sad, the rest of the world and what's going on and things, just pray for their families," said Chris Raak.
The family says Raak played dead after he was shot in hopes he would survive.
"I'm just very happy that my brother is okay, so he can come home," said Chris Raak.
It all happened less than two weeks after U.S. intelligence warned of an attack. As the victims recover and others are laid to rest, a manhunt has enveloped Europe as police search for the killer.
Surveillance also showed the people running for cover in the chaos as the gunman forced his way into the club - considered one of Istanbul's swankiest venues.
"I saw blood coming out. People were falling down because of shooting," said Komron Saidaliev who lives nearby.
About 600 people were inside when the gunman opened fire shortly after 1 a.m. New Year's Day.
The club's manager said it had increased security after U.S. intelligence warned of an attack less than two weeks ago.
Outside, next to police barricades, red carnations have been laid out to remember the victims.
Investigators haven't said what motivated the attack. Turkey's government has prohibited media organizations within the country from reporting on the attack.
