A shocking school shooting in Turkey’s Sanliurfa province has left at least 16 people injured after a 17-year-old former student opened fire inside a vocational high school. The incident took place at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district, triggering panic among students and staff. The attacker entered the campus with a pump-action shotgun and began firing randomly inside the school premises.
Emergency services rushed to the spot immediately after the incident and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities confirmed that the attacker later died by suicide inside the school building. Police have since launched a full investigation into the motive and circumstances behind the attack.
Turkey School Shooting: What Happened?
The incident began when a 17-year-old former student entered the school premises in the Hasan Celebi neighbourhood carrying a pump-action shotgun. He opened fire in the school yard before moving inside the building.
Students and teachers immediately tried to escape as gunshots echoed across the campus. The sudden attack created panic throughout the school, forcing everyone to run for safety. Emergency calls were quickly made, and police teams reached the location within minutes.
The school was immediately secured and evacuated after the shooting began, bringing the situation under control.
Turkey School Shooting: Attack Inside School Sparks Chaos
The shooting completely disrupted normal school activities and turned the campus into a panic zone. Students rushed out of classrooms while teachers attempted to guide them to safe exits.
Gunfire inside both open areas and the building created confusion and fear among students and staff. Emergency responders arrived quickly and began evacuating the injured from the scene.
Most of the injured were taken to Siverek State Hospital and nearby medical facilities. Officials confirmed that the victims include students, teachers, a police officer, and a canteen staff member. The entire school was cleared shortly after security forces secured the area.
Turkey School Shooting:Â Who is the Attacker?
Officials confirmed that the attacker was a 17-year-old former student born in 2007. However, Hasan Şıldak, the Governor of Sanliurfa, stated that the suspect had earlier studied at the school and maintained a connection to it.
Reports suggest that the attacker may have had a personal dispute with another student before carrying out the assault, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Authorities are currently investigating his background, mental state, and school history to determine possible motives behind the attack.
Turkey School Shooting:Â How Did the Attacker Die?
After carrying out the shooting, the attacker used the same shotgun to die by suicide inside the school premises. Security officials confirmed that he died at the scene before he could be apprehended.
No other attackers were involved in the incident. The weapon used in the shooting has been recovered and sent for forensic examination. His death ended the immediate threat, allowing police forces to fully secure the area and begin investigation procedures.
Turkey School Shooting: Injured & Chaos
At least 16 people were injured in the attack, most of them students. Some of the victims are reported to be in serious condition, while others remain stable under medical observation.
All injured individuals were quickly transferred to Siverek State Hospital and nearby medical centres for emergency treatment.
Teachers, a police officer, and a canteen staff member were also among those injured during the incident. The sudden attack caused extreme panic across the school, with students fleeing in different directions.
Medical teams continue to monitor the condition of the injured as treatment continues.
Turkey School Shooting: Security Response
Security forces, including police units and special operations teams, responded within minutes after emergency calls were received. The school was immediately surrounded and declared a secure zone. Authorities restricted access to the area to manage rescue operations safely.
CCTV footage from the school and the surrounding area is being reviewed as part of the investigation. The Turkish Interior Ministry has also launched a full-scale probe into the incident. Roads near the school were temporarily closed but reopened after the situation was brought under control.
Turkey School Shooting: Investigation Underway
A detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the exact motive behind the attack. Officials are collecting statements from students, teachers, and witnesses present during the shooting.
Forensic teams are analysing the weapon and evidence collected from the school premises. Authorities are also reviewing the attacker’s past behaviour and any possible warning signs. The Interior Ministry has confirmed that all possible angles, including security lapses, are being examined. The case remains a high-priority investigation in Turkey.
Turkey School Shooting:Â Is the School Open or Closed? (Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational & Technical Anatolian High School)
Following the attack, Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School has been temporarily closed. Students and staff were evacuated immediately after the shooting for safety reasons.
All classes have been suspended until further notice. Authorities have not yet announced a reopening date for the school.
The institution will remain closed while the investigation continues and security assessments are completed. Officials will decide on reopening only after ensuring full safety for students and staff.
