Former Student Opens Fire at Turkish High School, Injuring 16 Before Taking Own Life

A former student carried out a shooting at his old high school in Turkey on Tuesday, April 14, leaving 16 people injured before dying by suicide during a police standoff, officials said.

The attack took place at a school in the Siverek district of Şanliurfa province in southeastern Turkey. Local governor Hasan Şıldak confirmed that special security units were deployed to the scene and students were quickly evacuated as emergency responders arrived.

Television footage showed ambulances stationed outside the school while terrified students fled the premises. Authorities identified the shooter as a former student born in 2007. The governor said the suspect died by suicide using the same weapon after being cornered by police.

“He randomly opened fire in the corridor with a pump-action shotgun,” Sıldak stated, adding that despite existing safety measures, isolated incidents like this can still occur and will be thoroughly investigated.

According to the Interior Ministry, those injured included 10 students, four teachers, a police officer, and a cafeteria worker. Officials confirmed the weapon used was a shotgun and reiterated that the attacker took his own life shortly after the incident.

School shootings remain rare in Turkey. However, in May 2024, a former student killed a high school principal in Istanbul after being expelled, an incident that sparked nationwide debate on school safety and led to public protests by teachers calling for stronger protective measures.

Turkey enforces strict gun control laws requiring licensing, registration, background checks, and severe penalties for illegal possession.