ISTANBUL — A gunman opened fire at a high school in Turkey on Wednesday, wounding at least 16 people in an attack that sent shockwaves through a country still processing a series of recent security incidents.
Turkish authorities moved quickly to detain a suspect and cordon off the school, while emergency services treated the wounded at nearby hospitals. Officials confirmed the attack was not believed to be terrorism-related, though an investigation remained ongoing.
The shooting prompted an outpouring of grief and anger across Turkey, with citizens and politicians alike calling for urgent action on school safety, gun access, and mental health support for young people.
President Erdogan issued a statement condemning the attack and pledging a thorough and swift investigation. Opposition leaders called for an emergency parliamentary session to address what they described as a growing pattern of violence in public spaces.
Parents gathered outside the school in the hours following the attack, many in tears, as students were escorted out by police. Teachers described scenes of panic as the shooting began during morning classes.
International leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the Turkish people. At press time, Turkish authorities had not released details on the condition of all those injured.
Leave a Reply