Deadly school attack shocks Türkiye: Gunfire leaves teacher, students dead

The attack took place at Ayser Çalık Secondary School in the Onikişubat district, where gunshots were heard during school hours, prompting an immediate response from police and medical teams. The school was quickly evacuated as emergency services secured the area.

Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer initially confirmed that there were casualties and later announced fatalities.

Four killed, dozens injured

Authorities confirmed that one teacher and three students lost their lives in the attack. At least 20 people were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition.

The attacker was identified as an eighth-grade student at the school.

Multiple weapons used

Governor Ünlüer stated that the suspect entered at least two classrooms and opened fire indiscriminately. He was carrying multiple firearms in a backpack and used five weapons and seven magazines during the attack.

Officials said the attacker died after shooting himself, though it remains unclear whether it was intentional or occurred during the chaos.

Father detained

The attacker’s father, Uğur Mersinli, was taken into custody. He is reportedly a former police officer, though authorities have not yet confirmed the details publicly.

Ministers head to the scene

Following the attack, Education Minister Yusuf Tekin and Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu departed for Kahramanmaraş.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that four civil inspectors and four police inspectors had been assigned to investigate the incident.

Broadcast ban imposed

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that an official investigation had been launched by the Kahramanmaraş Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. A broadcast ban has been imposed to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Witnesses describe prolonged attack

Speaking to Cumhuriyet, CHP Kahramanmaraş Provincial Chair Ünal Ateş said the attacker fired for several minutes, repeatedly changing magazines.

“He kept firing continuously. The ammunition did not run out. He essentially swept the classroom,” Ateş said, adding that the actual number of injured may be higher than officially reported.

Education community in shock

The Ministry of National Education described the incident as a “heinous attack” and said authorities were closely monitoring developments. Health officials confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals.

The attack comes just one day after a similar violent incident at a high school in Şanlıurfa, raising fresh concerns over school safety.