Shooting Incident at High School in Turkey
At least 16 individuals sustained injuries after a former student opened fire at a high school located in south-eastern Turkey.
The assailant, described as being in his late teens, discharged a shotgun indiscriminately before taking his own life when confronted by police, according to local governor Hasan Şildak.
The injured parties include 10 students, four teachers, a cafeteria worker, and a police officer, Şildak reported.
Details of the Attack
The event occurred around 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT) at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district. Authorities evacuated the school following the incident.
The wounded were transported to hospitals, with five patients subsequently transferred to other medical facilities for additional care.
Investigation and Background
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated.
Governor Şildak stated that the attacker had no prior criminal record and that the school was considered secure by law enforcement. Incidents of school shootings are uncommon in Turkey.
Local media outlets reported that the attacker had recently posted threats on the school's social media accounts, indicating that an attack would occur "in a few days."
Eyewitness Accounts
"He [the gunman] was a kid, about 17-18 years old. Suddenly, he walked through the front door (of the school yard). As soon as he entered, he pulled out a gun. It was a long, stocky one, like one of those pump-action shotguns with rims."
"He immediately started shooting left and right. Then he fired towards the school. Then he ran inside. He started shooting at anyone who came in front of him, and then with the students' screams, the teachers' screams, everyone immediately scattered."
One of the injured students, Ömer Furkan Sayar, spoke to TRT, Turkey's state broadcaster, describing the gunman's actions inside the school.
"First we threw ourselves to the ground, then two of us jumped out of the window. He didn't say anything to us, he just came in and started shooting," he said.
The gunman reportedly entered at least two classrooms, including Sayar's own.
