A former student opened fire at a high school in Türkiye's southeastern Sanliurfa province today, wounding 16 people before taking his own life, according to Governor Hasan Şıldak. The attack, which occurred in the Siverek district, has reignited concerns over school safety and gun violence in the region.
The assailant, identified as a teenager, used a shotgun to fire indiscriminately in the schoolyard before entering the building. Ten students, four teachers, one police officer, and a canteen employee were among the wounded. Five victims required transfer to advanced medical facilities in Sanliurfa city center for treatment.
Governor Şıldak confirmed the attacker had no prior criminal record and noted the school had previously been classified as secure by local law enforcement. "Police responded immediately but were unable to prevent the tragedy," Şıldak stated during a televised interview, adding that the shooter died by suicide during apprehension attempts.
The Turkish Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack and is reviewing security protocols for educational institutions nationwide. This incident marks one of the most severe school-related violent episodes in Türkiye since 2023.
