Kahramanmaras, Turkey. A 14-year-old student shot and killed at least nine people, including eight pupils, and wounded 13 others at a middle school in southeastern Turkey on Wednesday, officials said. It was the country’s second school shooting in two days.
Casualties and official statements
Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said eight students and one teacher died in the attack in Kahramanmaras province, adding that six of the wounded were in critical condition. Ciftci said it was a personal attack and not a terror incident.
Details of the incident
Governor Mukerrem Unluer said the shooter killed himself in the commotion. Unluer said an eighth-grade student entered the school with five weapons and seven magazines in his bag, which officials believe belonged to his former police officer father, and entered two classrooms with fifth-grade students, causing deaths and injuries indiscriminately. Fifth-grade students are usually aged 10 and 11 in Turkey.
Investigation and security context
Ciftci said authorities would take necessary precautions, without elaborating. Broadcaster NTV reported the shooter’s father had been detained.
Gun laws are generally strict in Turkey, with only individuals aged over 21 and in possession of a license allowed to own weapons. However, guns are widespread in Turkey, with many security officers allowed to carry and own arms.
Footage described by officials and media
Unverified footage showed several students jumping from a second-storey window at the school as gunshots echoed around the grounds. Unverified CCTV footage from the school showed the attacker shooting two students walking down a hallway.
What measures should authorities take to prevent further school shootings?
