Two Deadly School Shootings in Southeastern Turkey Spark National Crisis
Southeastern Turkey faced a unprecedented crisis as two separate school shootings occurred within 48 hours in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş. The first attack injured 16 people, while the second killed at least ten, including students and a teacher. Perpetrators, both students, used family-owned firearms and died at the scenes. The rare violence triggered nationwide outrage, teacher strikes, and a parliamentary commission. Authorities imposed media bans, detained suspects’ families, and arrested dozens for online glorification of the crimes, prompting urgent debates on gun control and school security.
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Death Toll Rises to 10 in Turkey's Second School Shooting Within a Week
The death toll from a school shooting in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, has risen to ten after another victim died in the hospital. The attack occurred on Wednesday when 14-year-old Isa Aras Mersinli opened fire in two classrooms at a middle school, killing eight students and one teacher while wounding thirteen others. The gunman, who used firearms belonging to his retired police superintendent father, was also killed during the incident. His father has been arrested. This tragedy marks the second school shooting in Turkey within two days, following an attack in Sanliurfa province that wounded sixteen people. In response, Turkish authorities held a high-level security meeting in Ankara attended by ministers and all provincial governors to address school safety. The Ministry of Family and Social Services has established a team to provide psychosocial support to affected families. Meanwhile, hundreds of educators have gathered in Ankara and Izmir to demand stricter security measures. Investigations are ongoing, with twenty people detained in connection with the previous shooting in Sanliurfa. The suspect in the Kahramanmaras attack was found to have a profile picture of Elliot Rodger, linking the incident to broader concerns about violent influences on social media.
AP NewsDeath Toll Rises to 10 in Turkey's Second School Shooting Within a Week
The death toll from a school shooting in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, has risen to ten after another victim died in the hospital. The attack, carried out by 14-year-old Isa Aras Mersinli on Wednesday, killed eight students and one teacher while wounding thirteen others. The gunman, who used firearms belonging to his retired police superintendent father, was also killed during the incident. His father has been arrested. This tragedy marks the second school shooting in Turkey within two days, following an attack in Sanliurfa that wounded sixteen people. In response, Turkish authorities held a high-level security meeting in Ankara attended by all provincial governors. The government has launched psychosocial support teams for affected families and detained dozens of social media users for making threats or implying plans for similar attacks. Funerals for the victims were held on Thursday, sparking protests by educators demanding improved school security measures. The incident has highlighted rare but growing concerns regarding gun violence and student safety in Turkish educational institutions.
abcnewsTurkey: School Shooting by 14-Year-Old Deemed Isolated Act Linked to US Misogynist Ideology
Turkish authorities have classified a deadly school shooting in southeastern Turkey as an isolated, planned individual act rather than terrorism. A 14-year-old eighth-grader killed nine people, including classmates and a teacher, before dying under unclear circumstances. Investigators discovered digital evidence on the suspect's computer indicating premeditation, including documents outlining intentions to commit a major attack. Crucially, police found links to Elliot Rodger, a US-based misogynistic killer, noting the suspect used Rodger's image on social media. The perpetrator's parents, including his father, a former police inspector who owned the weapons, were arrested. In response to this incident and a separate shooting in Şanlıurfa the previous day, the Interior Ministry announced tightened school security measures. Additionally, over 160 individuals were arrested and more than 1,000 online accounts blocked for posting content that glorified the crime or incited panic on platforms like Telegram. The investigation highlights concerns regarding online radicalization and access to firearms among minors, prompting immediate legal and security responses from Turkish officials to prevent copycat attacks and restore public safety in educational institutions.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenTürkiye Mourns Nine Victims of Premeditated School Shooting in Kahramanmaraş
Türkiye is holding funeral ceremonies for nine victims, including eight children and one teacher, killed in a school shooting in the southern province of Kahramanmaraş on April 15, 2026. Authorities revealed that the 14-year-old assailant had premeditated the attack, with digital evidence showing plans dated April 11 and a WhatsApp profile image referencing US mass shooter Elliot Rodger. The gunman entered two classrooms firing indiscriminately while carrying five firearms before dying at the scene under unclear circumstances. This incident marks the second school shooting in Türkiye within a week, following an attack in Şanlıurfa that injured 16 people. In response, the suspect’s father, a former police inspector, and his mother have been detained. Investigators found no links to terrorism, treating it as an isolated act. The tragedy has sparked public outrage, leading teachers’ unions to protest in Ankara and call for a nationwide strike. Schools in Kahramanmaraş remain closed for two days as the nation grapples with this rare surge in school violence.
hurriyetdailynewsTurkish School Shooter Referenced US Mass Killer Elliot Rodger, Police Say
A 14-year-old student killed at least nine people, including eight classmates, and wounded 20 others in a school shooting in Kahramanmaras province, southeastern Turkey, before taking his own life. Turkish police revealed that the assailant used a WhatsApp profile image referencing Elliot Rodger, the perpetrator of a 2014 mass killing in California. Authorities stated that initial findings indicate no connection to terrorism, classifying the incident as an individual attack. The teenager utilized five pistols belonging to his father, a police officer, who has been jailed pending trial. Investigators also discovered a document on the attacker's computer dated April 11, indicating plans for a major attack. This tragedy marks Turkey's second school shooting in two days, shocking a nation where such violence is rare. In response, Turkish authorities have detained 83 individuals for glorifying crime and blocked access to 940 social media accounts and 93 Telegram groups. The incident has sparked widespread grief and heightened security concerns across the country.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastTeenager Kills Nine, Wounds 13 in Turkey School Shooting
A devastating school shooting occurred in the southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Wednesday, leaving nine people dead and thirteen others wounded. The perpetrator, identified as a 14-year-old teenager, was armed with five firearms when he opened fire at the educational institution. The attack triggered scenes of chaos and panic, with reports indicating that students jumped from windows in desperate attempts to escape the violence. This incident marks the second school shooting in Turkey within just two days, a statistic that has deeply shocked the nation where such violent events are historically rare. The severity of the attack and the young age of the gunman have raised urgent questions regarding security measures and gun control within the country. As emergency services responded to the crisis, the community was left grappling with the trauma of the event. The rarity of school shootings in Turkey makes this double incident particularly alarming for the public and authorities alike, signaling a disturbing trend that demands immediate attention and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager's access to multiple weapons.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesTurkish Police Order 83 Arrests for Online Praise of School Shootings
Turkish authorities have ordered the arrest of 83 individuals accused of posting content online that praised recent deadly school shootings and disrupted public order. In addition to the arrests, police blocked access to 940 social media accounts and shut down 93 Telegram groups. This crackdown follows two separate violent incidents in southern Turkey within a single week. On Wednesday, a shooting at Ayser Calik Secondary School in Kahramanmaras killed at least nine people, including eight students and one teacher, before the 14-year-old attacker was killed. Investigators found evidence that the suspect had planned the attack in advance and referenced US mass killer Elliot Rodger. This tragedy occurred just one day after another attack at a high school in Siverek, where an ex-student injured 16 people with a shotgun before taking his own life. The recent violence has sparked national outrage and prompted significant government response, with ministers expected to attend funeral services for the victims in Kahramanmaras.
BBC NewsTurkey Orders Mass Arrests for Online Praise of School Shootings
Turkish authorities have ordered the arrest of 83 individuals accused of praising recent deadly school shootings on social media. The police stated that these posts negatively affected public order and engaged in activities glorifying crime. In addition to the arrests, access to 940 social media accounts was blocked, and 93 Telegram groups were shut down. This crackdown follows two violent incidents in southeastern Turkey. On Tuesday, a former student opened fire at a high school in Siverek, injuring 16 people before taking his own life. The following day, a separate shooting in Kahramanmaras resulted in at least nine deaths. These tragic events have sparked nationwide outrage, leading teachers’ unions to organize protests and call for a two-day strike under the banner of protecting schools from violence. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed sorrow over the attacks and promised a comprehensive investigation. The government's swift legal response highlights its strict stance on online content deemed harmful to public stability amidst growing societal concern over gun violence in educational institutions.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesFour Officials Suspended Following School Shooting in Southeastern Türkiye
Four public officials, including two district police chiefs and two local education administrators, have been suspended pending an investigation into a deadly school shooting in Şanlıurfa, southeastern Türkiye. On April 14, 2026, a 19-year-old former student entered the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical High School armed with a shotgun and opened fire, injuring 16 people before taking his own life. Seven victims have been discharged, while nine remain hospitalized, three in critical condition. Investigations revealed that the attacker had posted explicit threats on social media days prior, targeting the school principal and promising violence. In response to the tragedy, the Turkish Interior and Education Ministries launched wide-ranging inquiries, and school operations were halted for four days. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting education unions to organize work stoppages across Türkiye to protest rising school violence and demand enhanced safety measures. One additional suspect has been detained as authorities examine security failures and the perpetrator's background. The event highlights growing concerns regarding student safety and administrative accountability in Turkish educational institutions.
hurriyetdailynewsDeadly Back-to-Back School Shootings in Turkey Leave Nine Dead
Turkey has been shaken by a rare and disturbing series of back-to-back school shootings, resulting in the deaths of at least eight students and one teacher. This outbreak of gun violence within educational institutions marks a significant and troubling deviation from the country's typical security landscape, where such incidents are historically uncommon. The consecutive nature of these attacks has sparked immediate national outrage and urgent discussions regarding school safety protocols and gun control measures. CBS News correspondent Holly Williams reports on the unfolding tragedy, highlighting the profound impact on local communities and the broader educational system. As authorities investigate the motives behind these violent acts, the nation grapples with the shock of losing young lives in such a brutal manner. The events have drawn international attention due to their rarity in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in schools. This incident represents a critical moment for Turkish society, forcing a reevaluation of public safety strategies and the psychological well-being of students. The government is expected to announce new preventive measures in response to this unprecedented crisis.
cbsnewsNine Killed in Turkey School Shooting, Second in Two Days
A 14-year-old student killed nine people, including eight fellow pupils and one teacher, and wounded 13 others at a school in Kahramanmaras, southeastern Turkey. The attacker, an eighth-grader, entered classrooms armed with five weapons and seven magazines allegedly belonging to his former police officer father. He died by suicide during the incident. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci classified the act as a personal attack rather than terrorism. This tragedy marks the second school shooting in Turkey within two days, following an incident in Sanliurfa where a former student wounded 16 people before taking his own life. While gun laws in Turkey are strict, firearms remain widespread among security personnel. The shooter’s father has been detained by authorities. Officials have promised to take necessary precautions in response to these rare violent events. Emergency services responded to the scene as students fled in panic, with unverified footage showing jumps from windows. The incidents have sparked national shock and discussions on gun control and school safety measures in the region.
smhNine Killed in Turkey School Shooting, Second in Two Days
A 14-year-old student killed nine people, including eight fellow pupils and one teacher, and wounded 13 others at a school in Kahramanmaras, southeastern Turkey. This incident marks the country's second school shooting in just two days. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed the casualties and stated that six of the wounded remain in critical condition. Authorities classified the incident as a personal attack rather than terrorism. The shooter, an eighth-grade student, reportedly entered classrooms armed with five weapons and seven magazines believed to belong to his father, a former police officer. The attacker died by suicide during the chaos. Following the event, the shooter’s father was detained. While Turkey maintains strict gun laws requiring licenses for ownership, firearms are widespread among security personnel. This tragedy follows a similar incident in Sanliurfa on Tuesday, where a former student wounded 16 people before taking his own life. Officials have promised to take necessary precautions in response to these rare but devastating events.
theageNine Dead, 13 Wounded in Turkish School Shooting by 14-Year-Old
A tragic school shooting occurred in the southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead and wounding 13 others. The assailant was identified as a 14-year-old boy, Isa Aras Mersinli, who was armed with five guns. According to Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, six of the wounded are in intensive care, with three in critical condition. The attack sparked panic and chaos, with reports of students jumping from windows to escape the violence. This incident marks Turkey's second school shooting in two days, shocking a nation where such events are historically rare. State-run broadcaster TRT confirmed that the shooter's father has been detained for questioning. In response to the tragedy, Turkish authorities have imposed a ban on broadcasting traumatic images from the scene, urging media outlets to restrict their coverage to official statements. Parents rushed to the Onikisubat district school following news of the attack. The event has drawn significant attention due to its rarity in Turkey and the young age of the perpetrator.
News | Euronews RSSTurkish Parliament to Form Commission on School Attacks
The Turkish Parliament has agreed to establish a cross-party commission to investigate school attacks following two deadly incidents in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa. The decision was reached after lawmakers paused legislative sessions to address urgent security concerns. In Kahramanmaraş, a 13-year-old student opened fire at Ayşel Çalık Middle School, killing nine people and injuring at least 20 others. This tragedy occurred just one day after a separate shooting in Şanlıurfa left 16 wounded before the perpetrator committed suicide. Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan facilitated consultations with party representatives, resulting in a unified commitment to examine the causes of school violence. The upcoming commission will adopt a multidimensional approach, analyzing legal, psychological, and social factors, including the influence of families and social media. While school shootings are rare in Türkiye due to strict gun control laws, recent events have prompted a comprehensive review of student safety measures. The commission is scheduled to be formally established next Tuesday, aiming to develop proposals to prevent future incidents and enhance security across the country's educational institutions.
dailysabahStudent Kills 9 in Turkey Middle School Shooting, Second Attack in Two Days
A 14-year-old student opened fire in two classrooms at a middle school in the Onikisubat district of Kahramanmaras, southern Turkey, killing nine people and wounding 13 others. The attacker, identified as Isa Aras Mersinli, was found dead at the scene, though it remains unclear if he died by suicide or was killed by police. Authorities reported that he carried five firearms and ammunition believed to belong to his father, a retired police officer who has been detained for questioning. Among the victims was at least one teacher, with several students also killed. This incident marks the second school shooting in Turkey within two days, following an attack by an 18-year-old former student in Siverek that injured 16 people. The Turkish government has imposed a media ban on broadcasting traumatic images from the scene, urging outlets to exercise responsibility to protect societal peace and children's psychological security. A comprehensive judicial investigation has been initiated by the Kahramanmaras Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
newsweekNine Dead in School Shooting in Southeastern Turkey
A tragic school shooting in Kahramanmaras, southeastern Turkey, has resulted in nine deaths and thirteen injuries. The attacker, identified as an eighth-grade student, allegedly obtained weapons from his father, a retired police officer. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed that eight students and one teacher were among the fatalities. The suspect is now dead, though it remains unclear whether he committed suicide or was killed by authorities. This incident marks the second school shooting in the region within a single week. Just days earlier, on Tuesday, a former student opened fire at a high school in Sanliurfa, injuring sixteen people before taking his own life. While gun violence at schools is historically rare in Turkey, these consecutive events have raised significant concerns regarding security and access to firearms. Emergency services, including ambulances, were heavily deployed to the scene in Kahramanmaras. The proximity of the two incidents in southeastern Turkey highlights a disturbing trend in an area not typically associated with such violent crimes. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the weapons and the motive behind the attack.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETTurkey Shaken by Two Mass School Shootings in Two Days, Leaving Four Dead
Turkey has been rocked by two separate school shootings within a 48-hour period, resulting in at least four deaths and dozens of injuries. The first incident occurred in Sanliurfa, where a 19-year-old former student wounded 20 people at a vocational high school before taking his own life, reportedly motivated by academic grievances and prior threats. The following day, an eighth-grade student opened fire at Ayser Calik Middle School in Kahramanmaras, killing three students and one teacher before committing suicide. Authorities stated the young shooter used firearms belonging to his father, a former senior police officer, and injured 20 others. In response, Turkish ministers for education, interior, and health were dispatched to the affected regions, and a media broadcast ban was imposed to facilitate the investigation. While school shootings are rare in Turkey, commentators have suggested the second attack may have been a copycat incident inspired by the widespread coverage of the first. Seven prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the Kahramanmaras case as the nation grapples with this unprecedented wave of school violence.
Section FeedStudent Kills Four in Turkish School Shooting
A tragic school shooting occurred in the Onikisubat district of Kahramanmaras Province in southern Turkey on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and leaving twenty others wounded. According to Mukerrem Unluer, the provincial governor, the attacker was a student who utilized firearms belonging to his father to carry out the assault. Among the victims killed was a teacher. The shooter was also killed during or immediately following the incident. This violent event marks the second school shooting in Turkey within a span of just two days, raising significant concerns regarding gun safety and school security in the region. The attack has drawn international attention, with major outlets like The New York Times reporting on the developing situation. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led the student to open fire inside the educational institution. The incident underscores a disturbing trend of violence affecting schools in the area, prompting urgent calls for stricter regulatory measures concerning firearm access and enhanced protective protocols for students and staff across the country.
NYT > World NewsFour Dead in Turkey's Second School Shooting in Two Days
A tragic school shooting occurred at a middle school in the Kahramanmaras province of southeastern Turkey on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three students and one teacher. The local governor, Mukerrem Unluer, confirmed that at least 20 others were wounded in the attack. The perpetrator, an eighth-grade student at the school, died during the incident. Authorities revealed that the student had concealed his father's firearms in a backpack to carry out the assault. This event marks the second school attack in Turkey within a span of two days, following a similar incident in Sanliurfa on Tuesday where a former student wounded 16 people before taking his own life. While school shootings are historically rare in Turkey, these consecutive events have prompted an immediate investigation launched by Justice Minister Akin Gurlek. Emergency services, including ambulances and police, responded quickly to the scene in Kahramanmaras. The recurrence of such violence in a short period has drawn significant attention to security measures in educational institutions across the region.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastNine Dead, 13 Injured in Second Turkish School Shooting This Week
A tragic school shooting occurred at Ayser Çalık Secondary School in Kahramanmaraş, southern Turkey, leaving nine people dead and 13 others injured. According to Provincial Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer, a student entered the school with firearms believed to belong to his father and opened fire randomly in two classrooms. The victims included one teacher and three students among the deceased. This incident marks the second school shooting in Turkey within a single week, following an attack on April 14 in Siverek, Şanlıurfa province. In that previous incident, an ex-student wounded 16 people, including students, teachers, and a police officer, before taking his own life during a standoff with authorities. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek confirmed that prosecutors have launched immediate investigations into both attacks. While school shootings are historically rare in Turkey, these consecutive events have prompted increased security measures around educational institutions and drawn significant emergency response efforts. Parents rushed to the scenes as ambulances and police secured the areas. The rapid succession of these violent acts has raised urgent concerns regarding gun control and school safety protocols in the region.
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