A former student opened fire at a school in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa province on Tuesday, injuring several people before taking his own life during a confrontation with police.
Authorities said the attacker entered the school premises and “randomly opened fire in the hallway with a shotgun.”
Casualties have been reported
According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, a total of 16 people were injured in the attack:
All of the injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, with officials confirming that emergency treatment was provided immediately.
Police response and evacuation
Special security forces were deployed to the school following reports of gunfire. Students and staff were quickly evacuated as panic spread across the campus.
Television footage showed ambulances stationed outside the school as students fled the campus as security forces secured the area.
Governor Hasan Şıldak confirmed that the attacker was chased away by the police and “took his own life with the same weapon”.
An investigation is underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. Officials inspected the school grounds and said evidence gathering and witness statements are ongoing.
“We have evacuated the school and will conduct a thorough investigation of this tragic incident,” Governor Şıldak said, adding that despite precautionary measures, “isolated incidents like this can still occur.”
Gun violence in schools: rare but alarming
Turkey has strict gun control laws that require licensing, background checks and severe penalties for illegal gun possession.
However, the attack has renewed concerns about the school’s safety. In a similar incident in May 2024, a former student killed the principal of a high school in Istanbul, sparking national debate and protests by teachers demanding stronger protections for the school’s staff and students.
