US State Dept: "We're very grateful for sacrifice and service of Turkish policemen"

In a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack praised Turkish policemen's courage in protecting American diplomats from the attack on the US Consulate in Istanbul. "We express our deepest condolences to the families of the three Turkish police officers killed, as well as their colleagues who were wounded in the attack," said McCormack. "We are grateful for their sacrifice and service. The Turkish police responded quickly and effectively." Asked who was responsible for the attack, McCormack said, "We're continuing our efforts to work with the Turkish government to determine who is responsible for it. It's too early to tell in the investigation." In related news, at a ceremony at the Istanbul Security General Directorate honoring the policemen, US Consul General Sharon Wiener said she was grateful to the police officers who lost their lives in the attack, adding, "They sacrificed themselves for our safety."