Sixteen injured after ex-student opens fire at high school in Turkey

School Shooting in Turkey Leaves 16 Injured, Including Students and Staff

A school shooting in southeastern Turkey has left 16 individuals injured, according to local authorities. The attacker, a former student in his late teens, fired “indiscriminately with a shotgun” before taking his own life after being cornered by police, said local governor Hasan Şildak. Among the wounded were 10 students, four teachers, a cafeteria worker, and a police officer. The incident occurred at around 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT) at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek district. The building was evacuated shortly after the attack.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, with five later moved to additional facilities for specialized care. While the motive remains unclear, an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause. Şildak noted the attacker had no prior criminal record and that the school was considered a secure environment by police. School shootings are uncommon in Turkey, making this event notable.

Social Media Threats and Attack Details

Local media reported that the assailant had recently posted on the school’s social media accounts, warning of an attack “in a few days.” A witness described the shooter as a young man, approximately 17-18 years old, who entered the school grounds through the front door. “He immediately drew a pump-action shotgun and began firing in all directions,” the witness said. “After advancing into the building, he targeted anyone who came within reach, causing panic as students and staff scattered in fear.”

“We were on the ground, and two of us leaped out of the window. He didn’t say anything—he just came in and began shooting,” explained Ömer Furkan Sayar, one of the injured students, in an interview with TRT, Turkey’s state broadcaster.