A shocking incident unfolded in southeastern Turkey on April 14, 2026, when a former student carried out a shooting inside a high school, leaving at least 16 people injured. Officials confirmed that the attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired indiscriminately before taking his own life as police closed in.
Gunman Opens Fire Inside School Campus
The attack took place in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa province at a vocational high school. According to authorities, the assailant—identified as a teenager and former student—entered the school premises and began shooting randomly in the yard before moving into the building.
Security footage later showed scenes of panic, with students and staff running for safety as gunfire echoed through the corridors. Witnesses described chaos as people tried to escape the attacker.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire, quickly surrounding the school and initiating response operations.
Victims Include Students, Teachers, and Staff
Officials reported that 16 individuals were injured in the attack. Among them were:
- 10 students
- 4 teachers
- 1 police officer
- 1 school canteen worker
Some victims were treated locally, while others with more serious injuries were transferred to hospitals in the provincial capital. At least one teacher was reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect had no prior criminal record, and the school had previously been considered secure.
Attacker Dies as Investigation Begins
As police moved in to apprehend the gunman, he died by suicide at the scene. Officials described the shooting as an isolated incident, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
A full investigation has been launched to determine what led to the violence. Early reports suggest the attacker may have had prior ties to the school, but no confirmed reason for the attack has been released so far.
