Shooting at Turkish School Leaves 16 Injured: Investigation Underway
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ankara, April 14 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded in Turkey's Siverek district on Tuesday when a former student unleashed gunfire in the halls of his previous school, leaving at least 16 individuals injured. Reports indicate that the shooter later took his own life.
Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak visited the injured at Siverek State Hospital following the alarming event at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. In a statement to the media outside the hospital, he confirmed that the shooting occurred when the suspect, a former student, entered the school and opened fire indiscriminately, as reported by Turkey's Anadolu Agency.
According to Sildak, of the 16 injured, four are teachers, ten are students, one is a police officer, and one is a canteen worker. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities. Four of the injured, comprising two teachers and two students, were transferred to central city hospitals due to their moderate health conditions, while the remaining 12 are receiving care at Siverek State Hospital.
The governor noted that the case is under investigation from various angles. The assailant, who was born in 2007, had previously attended the school until the 9th grade before switching to an open high school program. He reportedly committed suicide after being confronted by police. The school was evacuated, and Sildak expressed deep regret over the incident, assuring a thorough investigation into its background.
Offering condolences to the residents of Siverek and Sanliurfa, Sildak emphasized that judicial and administrative measures will be closely examined. He acknowledged the reality that such isolated events may still occur, despite rigorous security measures in Turkish schools, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
Sildak further revealed that the attack is being thoroughly scrutinized and confirmed that the perpetrator had no previous criminal record. The Chief Prosecutor's Office will oversee the judicial aspects, and an administrative investigation will commence promptly to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.